ROYAL THRILL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 316, 29 March 1928, Page 12

ROYAL THRILL

BELGIAN KING’S SKID SLEIGHING AT ST. MORITZ The King of the Belgians had what he called the thrill of his life when the bob in which he was descending the St. Moritz run skidded and threw out Lord Northesk.. It was the first time in the history of St. Moritz than a reigning monarch had descended the bob run. King Albert went down on the first bob, making the complete run from the top. The previous intention was that Queen Elizabeth should accompany him, but the King decided to try it himself first. King Albert was also original in being the only man who ever w-eut down the run wearing horn-rimmed spectacles. On a second descent he was advised to remove them. King Albert wore an old green shooting suit and an old cap worn back to front. The accident occurred on the third descent. While going at 40 miles an hour past Shamrock Corner the bob skidded and bumped very dangerously, and Lord Northesk, the brakesman, was thrown out and hurt his back. Mr. Dudley Delavigne managed t.o push himself back into the vacant position, and also pulled King Albert by the seat of his trousers into his place, thus getting a better balance for the rest of the journey. He said. “I was not standing on cermony.” At the bottom King Albert said. T hope Northesk is not hurt. This is the greatest thrill I have ever had—greater than in the war or even motorcycling.”