MARLBOROUGH HOUSE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5164, 12 August 1927, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE.

ONE ROOM UNTOUCHED;

THE QUEEN MOTHER’S BOUDOIR

One room of Ma.rlborough, House that is to be left entirely untouched by direct order of the- Prince of Wales is Queen. Alexandra’s private boudoir, in which she passed so many pleasant hours. This is to remain in precisely the same condition as it was when the late be-loved Queen Mother last used it (writes Howard Hensman in the Woman’s Magazine). Its walls are panelled in deep crimson silk, am! the* centre of the floor is occupied by a handsome writing table that holds a variety of writing conveniences including a large blotter bearing a silver crown upon its cover, a heavy inlaid brass case for letters requiring attention, and a silver writing set. The table also bears a large number of photographs, all handsomely framed, of various members of the Royal Family. One of these is of King George when .a child, and directly facing it is another of the* Prince of Wales when little more than a baby, and bea.ring the inscription in Queen Alexandra’s well remembered beautifully clear sloping writing, “Our Darling David.” In a corner behind this table is placed Queen Alexandra’s favourite piano, upon which she was a very expert performer in her younger days*, and placed on this are two autographed photographs of the late Lady Hallie, the foremost lady violinist of 'her day, who was on terms of very considerable personal friendship with the Queen Mother, who used frequently to play her accompaniments for heir. This; boudoir is likewise full of interesting personal souvenirs of Queen Alexandra, including several cases of jewellery and articles of personal adornment, while a little coloured sketch on one of the walls shows thie late Duke of Clarence and Avondale and the present King in the costumes tha.t they wore when attending their first fancy dress ball. Facing the window overlooking the gardens beneath is a full-length painting of the King in sailor dress as he appeared when he was 12 years old, while nearby hangs the last photograph ever taken of King Edward, a few months prior to 'his death.