BREAKING THE NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 7, Issue 360, 27 May 1884, Page 2

BREAKING THE NEWS.

(' European Mail' April 4.) About half-past two a telegram was brought into the library by an attendant and handed to Princess Christian, to whom, it was addressed. It was from Dr Iloyle, the Duke of Albany's medical attendant, who had accompanied him on his journey and it contained the simple announcement that His Royal Highness had expired from the effects of » fit. Princess Christian broke the news to the Duchess as gently as possible, and for a moment the bereaved lady did not seem to grasp the full meaning of the intelligence, but gradually the extent, of her loss dawned upon her, and she -utterly gave way. She was supported to her own apartment, and the family medical attendant was sent for with all haste, but for a time her grief was indiscribable. However, after a time, Her Eoyal Highness became calmer, and was able to converse a short time with, princess Frederica of Hanover. twho, having heard the news had driven over from Hampton Court to condole with her RoyaL j Highness. • : Her Majesty* herself was sadly; overcome on receipt of the terribly sudden news of the death of \ her favorite and youngest son. Sir Henry Pqnsonby was at the Castle at the time the message arrived. Considering the gravity of the intelligence, he telegraphed instantly to Earl GranviUe to have the message confirmed, and not until this had been done did he fully realise the painful position in which he was placed in liaving to acquaint her Hajesty with the terrible( tidings. The Queen seems to have been' thoroughly prostrated with grief, so much so that all in the Castle were most anxious about her condition. After the first-painful paroxysm of grief was "over Her Majesty's first thought was for her loved daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Albany. Shortly before three o'clock the Empress; ; Eugenic arrived at $c Castle, clad iii the deepest inotirning, and was received by one of the officers of the Castle, also in ,deep as I w<sf}e the drivers of the royal carriage "which) conveyed Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress was weeping as she drove flip to the (Jastle, and all hats were raised vjas she passed, as it was felt that; no more ■ sympathetic heart than hers could better essay the task of assuaging the Qu^eh?s J bitter grief. The young Prince's death cast a complete gloom over Windsor generally, where his amiability and! gentleness of character were so fully appreciated. The Prince of Wales'-k-e- J eeived a telegram from Sir Henry . Pon,- i sonby whilst on the stand at the Aintr.ee races, announcing the sad event. He at once left the racecourse and prepared for his return to London. Two horsesSpectrum and Callendar —had just been weighed for the race for the Crosby Platjj, but on hearing of the Prince's death' Sir George Chetwynd and the Duke of Montrose refused to ailow their horses to run. The news created much sensation on the course, and the utmost sympathy was expressed for the Prince of Wales, who was greatly shocked on feceiyiiig the telegram. The Prince at once ordered a special train, and proceeded to London. ; . , f