N.Z. SYMPATHY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 6

N.Z. SYMPATHY

Prince And Man Of The People

Expressing the sympathy of the Government in the death of the Duke of Kent, .the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr.- Sullivan, said yesterday:— “Every: citizen of New Zealand and all its armed forces overseas today will feel the most profound regret at the death of the Duke of Kent in an air accident, while en route from the United Kingdom to Iceland. His Royal Highness was on a war service mission, and for that reason alone all those who have suffered the sad effects of warfare will share a deeper sorrow. We live in an age of hazards aud abrupt tragedies. He was only 39 years of age. “The esteem in which the youngest son of the late King George V was held was won by his charm of personality, not only as a Prince but as a man of the people. He was popular with his fellow-men. This was demonstrated throughout his early career in ' the Royal Navy and also during the genial fulfilment of his duties. We all recall the delight and goodwill of the whole British Commonwealth at.his marriage in the autumn of 1934 to Princess Marina. Subsequently he waa esteemed as a model family man, a trait which marked the life of his father,' and one which appeals to the .hearts., of- British people. N.Z. Visit Fell Through. “Just before the present war there had been a prospect of his Royal Highness visiting New Zealand and taking part in its Centennial - celebrations. In fact, all arrangements had been made for the contemplated visit, but tiie advent of war intervened and deprived our people of their keenly anticipated pleasure. “And now, like many thousands of splendid men who have sacrificed their lives to uphold the cause of British freedom, justice and peaceful progress, a beloved Prince has passed on active service from the ways of men. “It will 'be realized today-that there is poignancy of grief in the Royal household. A widowed Princess weeps in common with a multitude of wives and mothers of sons throughout the vast realms of the King. There will be a quick expression of deep and sincere sympathy. “As Their Majesties the King and Queen are to the people in this era of strife and violent war, so will all the people be to the Royal Family in this their hour of sorrow. “The Government joins with the citizens of the Dominion in expressing its profound sympathy with' the bereaved Duchess of Kent and the members of the Royal Family.”' DEEPEST REGRET Governor-General’s Message To King His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral has dispatched the following message to His Majesty the King:—

‘•I beg to express to Your Majesty, with my humble duty, the respectful sympathy of the Government ami peoples of New Zealand on the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, the news of which has been received with the deepest regret by Your Majesty’s subjects in this Dominion. (Signed) C. L. N. NEWALL.” LOSS KEENLY FELT Belgian Consul’s Tribute

••The sad news of the death of the Duke of Kent in the service of the nation is a very hard blow to our friends and Allies, the British people, who, like ourselves, are so deeply attached to their ruling family,” said M. Armand Nihotte,' Consul-General of Belgium in New Zealand, yesterday. “A blow to them is a blow to us, and therefore I am, voicing the sentiments of Belgium when I state that we are sharing to the full their sorrow ' and Hint they have our heartfelt sympathy. In particular, those of us who are acquainted with the proofs of friendship which we have received at the hands of all members of the British Royal Family in our distresses, both in 1914 and 19-10, will feel this loss very keenly indeed. “It was only a few weeks ago that, inaugurating the Belgian Institute in London, his Royal Highness was addressing us in the following terms: — “ T am very happy to be able to open tn London a centre devoted to our Belgian and Luxembourg friends and Allies. I like to think that the bonds of friendship which unite our two countries are particularly close, not only because for the second time we are fighting side by side, but also because each of the two peoples understands and admires the customs and the thoughts of the other.’ “The Duke of Kent died a soldier’s death.” said M. Nihotte. “We have no right to give way to the sadness which threatens to overwhelm us. We have one right only: to admire him: and only one duty: to carry on his work. We must resolve to strive that his death shall he one step on the road to victory, for which he has given his life.”