Death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 19 January 1892, Page 2

Death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale.

The Duke died peacefully whilst unconscious in the presence of his father and mother, who had never left his bedside, his brother, Prince George, and sisters, Princesses Louise (Duchess of Fife), Victoria, and Maud, Duke of Fife, and Princess Mary of Teck, his betrothed.

He was nursed throughout his illness by his mother and the Princess Mary, to whom he was betrothed, assisted by two nursing sisters. Her Majesty expressed the deepest grief at the Duke's illness, and expressed devoted attachment to her grandson, who had always evinced the greatest affection towards her. The Prince of Wales desired that the funeral should take place at Sandringham, but the Queen has ordered it to be at Windsor at the end of next week. Princess Mary of Teck, the betrothed of the deceased Duke of Clarence and Avondale, is quite inconsolable and restless, and wanders about her room and declines to partake of food. . The King of the Belgians will attend the funeral. It is reported that the Duke's betrothed, Princess Mary, is ill. There was general consternation when the news of his death became known. Hundreds of people are signing the Callers' Book at Marlborough House. The bells in London are muffled and all the flags half-mast. Profound grief is universally expressed at the untimely death of the young Prince. The Lord Mayor, upon hearing of the sews, immediately directed the bells of S.t Paul's to be tolled, and summoned a meeting of the Corporation. All social gatherings were cancelled and the theatres closed. The Lord Mayor, replying to the Prince of Wales' official telegram announcing the sad event, expressed the sympathy of the* citizens of London with the Royal Family. Foreign Embassies have alsa been officially informed. Cablegrams are already arriving from all parts of the world. Her Majesty the Queen is pros t rated, and toe Prince of Wales

appears terribly crushed by the blow. The Judges in the Law Courts took occasion so express their sympathy to-day. Shutters are closed and blinds drawn in all the public buildings. It is reported that Prince George, second son of the Prince of Wales, is engaged to the daughter of Prince Christian. The remains of the late Duke of Clarence and Avondale will arrive at Windsor on Tuesday, and the funeral will take place on Wednesday with full military honours. The demonstrations of sympathy and mourning are universal throughout the Empire. The comments of the French press note the national loyalty displayed. The Princess of Wales is very ill, requiring the services of a physician. His Holiness the Pope sent a message of condolence. A memorial service will be held in St Paul's Cathedral simultaneously with the funeral. The Queen warmly acknowledged the sympathetic message from the President of France and the Foreign Courts. She proceeds to Windsor on Tuesday. Mr Gladstone, who is absent at the Riviera, sent to the Prince and Princess of Wales a long telegram expressing sympathy.

The theatres and public buildings will be closed on the day of the funeral," which day will be one of -national mourning.

Princess Mary announces that she is deeply touched at the tender sympathy expressed.