TRAINED FOR NAVY

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

TRAINED FOR NAVY

Duke’s Career Prince George Edward Alexander Edmund, Duke of Kent, Earl of St. Andrew’s and Baron Kilpatrick, K.G., K.T., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., Royal Victorian Chain, Personal Aide de Camp to His Majesty the King, Rear-Admiral, Major-Gen-eral, Air Commodore, was in his fortieth year, having been born on December 20, 1902.

He was the fourth sou of King George V and Queen Mary, his elder brothers, iu order of birth, being the Duke of Windsor, His Majesty King George VI, aud the Duke of Gloucester. A younger brother, Prince John, died in 1919 iu his fourteenth year. His only sister, the Princess Royal, is Countess of Harewood. From boyhood the Duke was trained for the Royal Navy, passing through Osborne and the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, before- going to sea. He served 10 years in many parts of the world before health considerations dictated his withdrawal from the Service. Back ashore, he wa§ attached in turn to the Foreign Office aud Home Office, with the view that he should gain insight into administrative duties which would serve him well in responsibilities later, to devolve on him. When first he returned from the sea he lived with his parents at Buckingham Palace, but later joined the Prince of Wales (now the Duke of Windsor) at St. James’ Palace. The Duke made a number of official visits to the Continent of Europe as representative, first of his father and later of his Royal 'brothers, at events connected with other Royal families. He also carried out an extensive tour of South and East Africa, gaining the respect and friendship of all he met. A similar visit was projected to Australia, but was cancelled, his marriage taking place shortly after. In 1939 it was announced that he would be proceeding to Australia to assume the duties of Governor-General, and arrangements for the reception and accommodation of him and his family were well advanced when the outbreak of war impelled the cancellation of the appointment. Official Duties.

Since the outbreak of war the Duke has been almost continuously engaged on a strenuous round of official duties in connexion with the service and civilian war effort. He has visited factories and camps-with untiring interest. In the summer of 1941 he made an extensve tour of Canada to inspect the development of the Empire Air Training Scheme, in which he was greatly interested, and went on to the United States. During his stay there he was the guest of President and Mrs. Roosevelt at Washington and Hyde Park. The Duke of Kent married Princess Marina, daughter’ of the late Prince Nicholas of Greece, in Westminster Abbey on November 29, 1934. There are two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Prince Edward, was born on October 9, 1935, and. Princess Alexandra on December 25 of the following year. The youngest child, Prince Michael, was born a few weeks ago, on July 4, and his christening, which took place on August 4, was notable in that one of the godfathers was the President of the United States, Mr. Roosevelt.

HIGHLY REGARDED IN AUSTRALIA Appointment Never Revoked (By Telegraph.—Pruts Assn. -Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, August 26. Deep regret at the death of the Duke of Kent was expressed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin. The Duke was appointed Governor-General of Australia in 1939 and the appointment was never revoked. “Australians always had a high regard for him,” said Mr. Curtin. “His designation before the outbreak of war as Governor-General of the Commonwealth was received with the greatest pleasure. The deepest sympathy of the Government and people of Australia are extended to the Duchess and her children at the death of a husband and father. Everyone will grieve with Queen Mary in the loss of her son and with the King in the loss of his brother.” N.Z. GREEKS’ SYMPATHY The following message was dispatched yesterday by Mr. 'T. E. Y. Seddon, Consul-General for Greece in New Zealand, to the Duchess of Kent: “Greek residents in New Zealand respectfully tender you their heart-felt sympathy in your tragic loss." MESSAGE FROM CZECHS The following cable has been addressed to Dr. Benes, president of the Czechoslovak Republic in London, by the Consul for Czechoslovakia, in Wellington, Mr. E. J. Hyains: “Czechoslovak residents in 'Wellington request you to convey to the Duchess of Kent and family their deepest sympathy in the great loss they have sustained.”