THE ROYAL FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE.

Otaki Mail, 20 August 1923, Page 4

THE ROYAL FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE.

There is something thoroughly British in tlio spontaneous enthusiasm anti joy which a number of the Royal Family gets married. The event is no mere State function; is it one of homely, personal interest that appeals directly to the best emotions of the British people, and brings out anew unbounded demonstrations of loyalty to the Throne, ft is not long since the marriage of Princess Mary to Viscount Lascelles evoked a wonderful display of affectionate interest and delight; yet the scones in Loudon, when the Duke of j .uk and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon * were married, and the overflowing interest in the event throughout the, length and breadth of the laud, were such that there might not have been a j Koval Wedding in this country for many years. The fact is that the vast majority of the people of England (there are a certain number of Communistic exceptions) are not only intensely loyal to the Throne, but entertain feelings of genuine affection rewards the individual members of the Royal Family. This affection has grown out of and is sustained by the ■ warm-hearted, personal, direct and uu- j failing interest which the King and j Queen and their sons and daughter J take in everything that concerns the highest well-being and happiness of the people—and not only interest, but active and practical sympathy. King George himself has set a distinguished , example of a wise ruler who is at the j same time a devoted student of those j things that most intimately concern the happiness of his subjects; and his sons are following admirably in his . steps. ** Nothing was lacking to make the J marriage of the King’s second sou in ‘ the highest degree popular, and there- j fore an occasion for a great demon- j stration of joy and congratulation. It j was believed to be a true love match; * the Prince was marrying a winsome,] charming British girl of ancient line-, age; and both bride' and bridegroom h u d proved themselves to possess, j among their most prominent characteristics, a real interest in the daily life of the people, manifested on the many j occasions in which they have mixed ' with all classes of society. It is scarce- j ly too much to say that in the last yeai j or two the Duke of York has run even j the Prince of Wales very close in the j matter of friendly interest in the working classes, extending his knowledge of the country’s great industrial undertakings, sympathy with its philanthropic works, and manly encouragement of healthful sports. No better example of frank good nature, sclfsaci'iiiec, and real comradeship with all sorts and conditions of people could any brother desire than that which lias been set by the Prince of Wales; and in connection with so auspicious an, event as his marriage, the Duke of York, by arranging for representatives j of shop assistants, lads from the load-" ing industries, and others to have a < place in Westminster Abbey, and wit-1 ness the actual nuptial ceremony, proved how considerate he is, and how full of human thought and feeling. The Lord Mayors and Mayors expressed the sentiments of the nation in the host, of congratulatory messages which they sent to the Prince and his bride; and the citizens of Birkenhead will echo j the loyal greetings of the Mayor of j this borough, sent in their name equal- { ly with his own, and his ‘' sincere wish-, j es for Divine blessing, good health and 1' happiness.” _.. i(