DUKE OF YORK

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1926, Page 1

DUKE OF YORK

DUCHESS’S THANKS IN WELSH SWANSEA, Aug. 2. The Duke and Duchess of York had n tremendous welcome at the National Eisteddfod to-day in the big pavilion. This morning they were ceremoniously receive dinto the Company of Druids and Bards as the Prince of "Wales was two years ago. There was an imposing gathering at Ibis initiation, chief among it the Arch Druid “Elfed” in white silk robes, an oak leaf crown, and golden breastplate. In private life Elfed is r Nonconformist Alinistor at King’s Cross London. Ollier commanding figures wove the herald. “Sicffrc of Cyfartlifa,” who is an officer of the Welsh Guards, and the swordbearer, “Gwaliter Dyfi.” Bound the Duke and Ducliess was a throng of druids in white, bards in blue and mates in green. The Duke and Duchess donned the green .robes ol the third-class of the order, and were received into the hand under the names of “Albert of El frog” and “Betsi of E'lrog.” As is the way with Englishmen hen they put on.strange clothes, the Duke perhaps had the look of accepting tho bardic robes more for the good'of tlio cause than for personal pleasure; whereas tho Duchess, of course, a.s is tho way with women, clearly delighted in the novelty. Still more - was the audience ■ delighted with her. Befoie she left- she had the Eisteddfod audience, which means Wales, at her feel . THE DUKE’S SPEECH. The Duke, who made an excellent speech, said how much he and the Duchess appreciated the investiture, though not promising to ho able to produce Welsh odes on the strength of it. Be pleased the audience by referring to Swansea by its Celtic name. Abertawe, and .brought in a compliment to lli,. town’s young university college. The Ducliess launched out on a Welsh phrase “Diolch yn fawr” (thanks very much), in her: little speech. This prettily completed the fascination of the audience. The Duke and Duchess stayed to hour a number of the children’s competitions, chorus of Girl Guides, recitations, and ponillion singing, this last peculiarity of Welsh folk music.