PRINCESS MARGRIET

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 103, 26 January 1943, Page 2

PRINCESS MARGRIET

Netherlands Royal Baby Christened

It is officially reported from Ottawa that the third daughter of Princess Juliana has been christened Margriet Francisea. The godfathers and godmothers of the newly-born princess will be: Her Majesty Queen Mary of England, President Roosevelt, the Earl of Athlone, the widow of a Dutchman who died a martyr for his country and whose inline even umier present circumstances cannot be disclosed, and the crews of the Netherlands’ Merchant Fleet who, following a

request by Queen Wilhelmina through Radio Orange, will act communally as god fn I hers. Queen Wilhelmina, broadcasting to her people in lhe occupied Netherlands ami Netherlands Indies by Radio Orange on January 21, explained, al the pnreiits request, lhe reasons for lhe choice ol.the name Alargriet. The Queen explained lhe intention of Princess Juliana and Prim-e Bernhard to establish by the choice of this name a life-long bond between I lie grievously tried people of the occupied pari of lhe kingdom and lhe newlyborn Princess. Margriet. is the Dutch word for the while flower marguerite which was budding in Holland in May ami was covering the fields ami meindows when the, Germans overrun Holland. "Above nil.” cuid the Queen, '‘the name Margriet is a revet'enl tribute to our heroes of lhe land and sea wherever they have fallen in the world, to those who died, martyrs to their country's cause. May it soon be given Io Margriet Io grow up in her own country amid her people; like her namesakes blooming in lhe fields.’’ As a present to the new Princess from Queen Wilhelmina. Prince Bernhard took wilh him to t'amidq an old family jewel in lhe form of a marguerite Hower 'y't* 1 a pearl centre ami diamond petals, 'lhe Princess's second mime, Frnneisca, means liberty. The lalest Imllelins from the hospital al Ollawa stall' that Princess Julianas baby is in excellent health. There is every reason Io believe thill lhe Prineesss recovery will be a rapid andjiiiinterrupted one. The baby weighs ilb 12oz and appears Io he a most healthy child — “wilh a very healthy voice,” as Prince Bernhard remarked.