Bees Princess Elizabeth Smoke?

Chronicle (Levin), 1 November 1949, Page 5

Bees Princess Elizabeth Smoke?

PtPecived Mondav 8.50 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 31. Doas Princoss Klizalipfli smoke? Thougii slie lias never been seen to siiidke eitlier at scmi-privute or pubiic eiigagenients, photographs of tlie rooms in Glarence House, tlie nflicial residence of tlie Princess aml tlie Duke of EdinLurgh, show tliat 011 a Oliippendale desk in tlie corner of lier private sitting room 011 tlie lirst floor are a jar, matelies, an aslitray and a eigarette box. These photographs were taken before the Duke left for Malta, are the lirst to be released since Clarence House was re-deeorated. It was originaih built bv John Xasli for William, Duke of Clarence wlio beeame William IV, but little had lieen spent on its siuce it was rebuilt by Queen Victoria's second sun, the Duke of Edinburgh. It was later used bv the Duke of Connaught and tlien taken over for wartime offices. Parliament voted £50, 000 for redeeoratioii and reeonditioning. Tlie photographs, many of which are puldished in British newspapers, show the use to which the wedding presents to the royal couple have beeu put. A lot of interest eentred round tlie Princess T t'hippondale desk since il has an air of intimaey. There are fonr photographs of Prince Phiilip, oue with the beard he wore while 111 the Kar East, and another taken vvliile the engagement was stiil seeret. There are also informal snaps taken during the honeyuioon, a portrait of Queen Mary in a tiara and evening dress, aml a photograph of Queen Elizabeth wearing her cock feather hat. There are also gold monogrammed leat lier-bound folders and pads and .-mu!! personal tliings sucli as a bottle of ink eradicator, a glass papenveiglit, two cream tc'ephones, a personal memo pail Iabelled: "Don't Forget, " a tin of string, a stationerv rack and a pot of glue. Oi her photographs sliow the Duke's Gtting room which has a desk on which there are tio photographs but a moderu ndju; table chromium desk lamp, a drawing room with ceilings designed by Nash for tlie original house, a dining room with a wall decoration in the Ailam style, a librarv with walls and bookshehes painted white, and Prince 'iiarles 's dav nnrserv. Princess Elizabeth 's bedroom adjoins the Duke's. Twin lieds in the Queen Anne style have ileur de li> headpieces and footboards covi-red in rose and white glazed chi nt /.