FLUTTER IN SOCIETY

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1926, Page 3

FLUTTER IN SOCIETY

PRINCESS ASTRID’S VISIT. MARRIAGE PROSPECTS DISCUSSED. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association ] (Received this day at 9.0 a.m > LONDON, January 5. ft is learned the highest social and diplomatic circles are seriously discussing the outcome of the forthcoming visit of Princess Astrid, whose name is Ireing increasingly connected with the Prince of Wales.

It is believed that Queen Mary, the Government and the Foreign Office have been in discussion on the suitabilitv of the marriage.

The Prince of Wales, at a previous meeting, was much attracted by Princess Astrid. whose stately dignity resembles Queen Mary’s. Official circles would welcome the match, thus cementing the Anglo-Swe-dish friendship, hut nothing lias yet been definitely arranged. Other high quarters closely connected with Royalty are of the opinion that Princess Astrid may possibly marry Prince Henry, which, from the viewpoint of the Foreign Office would he equally satisfactory.

Meanwhile official circles maintain the utmost secrecy concerning the details of the approaching visit. His Majesty and his Government would he the last to suggest that the head should rule the heart in a matter of such Empire-wide importance, but it is further known that their Majesties are anxious the Prince of Wales’s marriage should not be unduly postponed. The King’s health, despite bis apparent complete recovery, is still causing some anxiety, one lung remaining stubbornly weak. The sudden silence of the London newspapers, alter the first sensational rumours, is highly significant as compared with the feverish eagerness of American correspondents to find true facts.