STRICTEST SECRECY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 536, 13 December 1928, Page 1

STRICTEST SECRECY

STORY OF OPERATION SIX DOCTORS AT PALACE fAustralian and K.Z. Press Association) Reed. 12.30 p.m. LONDON, Wed. There is considerable relief at the announcement of the successful operation, which was carried out in his Majesty's bedroom. Preparations proceeded throughout the afternoon in the strictest secrecy. For the first time siuce the illness six doctors were at the Palace. Lord Dawson had been present since 9.30. The five others arrived at two o’clock. There was a close consultation until 4.30. Mr. Whitby, the bacteriologist, then left and Sir Hugh Rigby, honorary surgeon to the King, appearing in the case for the first time, arrived at the Palace at five o’clock. An hour later, Mr. Shipway, the anaesthetist, was summoned, the doctors having decided to carry out the operation. This was performed by Sir Hugh Rigby. It Is stated that his Majesty emerged from the anaesthetic at 7.50, but the doctors remained in the bedroom till 8.30, all the doctors concerned dining a.t the Palace. GLAD NEWS FOR ALL The news that his Majesty was safely through the operation and that his condition was satisfactory was immediately conveyed to the Queen, who was waiting with the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York. Three minutes later the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess drove from the palace in separate cars, but returned half an hour later to dinner at the palace. The operation was decided on after a long consUtation, and followed the finding of the pleural fluid mentioned in the morning bulletin. The King’s rally last night followed what is described as a miraculous return of the localised infection instead of the general infection. This was regarded as a good sign, and meant that the doctors could carry on the active treatment. This they did this morning, with the happy result that they were able to arrange for the operation to-night. Operation would have been out of the question had the King been unable to maintain his strength. The temperature mentioned in the morning was the first sign that the infection had again localised, the morning bulletin having conveyed the information that the operation was imminent. Large crowds gathered at the Palace anxiously awaiting the news, which was received with expressions of "Thank God.” Everywhere where the bulletin was read it was received with cheering and applause. ANXIETY RELIEVED Although the authoritative medical statement to-night speaks of the long and difficult struggle in prospect, some

part of the constant anxiety of the past few days was relieved to-night. Among the Royal Household therewas an air of subdued optimism. The operation is a great tax on his Majesty’s strength which has been impaired by the 22 days’ continuous and dangerous illness. The fact that he was able to emerge satisfactorily makes those in touch with the Royal circle hopeful of the ultimate result. Concern, however, must be felt for some little time, until it is known how the operation may have affected his strength, but anxiety on this score is not very grave. His condition tonight is regarded as a remarkable tribute to the strength of his constitution. ALMOST A MIRACLE The turn of events which led to the operation is authoritatively described as almost a miracle. Thirty-six hours ago, the greatest anxiety existed. By a remarkable coincidence, the change of condition was first noticed by the doctors shortly before midnight, less than an hour after the Prince of Wales had seen his father. As recently as 24 hours ago, the general infection was causing the doctors much concern. Following the dramatic change, it was quicklyrealised that active treatment could be undertaken. The doctors had a grave decision to make, and it is understood that before the decision they consulted the Queen and the Prince of Wales. * To-night there is new hope that although the way is long and difficult, the King will eventually be on the road to recovery. Following her Tower Hill engagement, the Queen drove to the Toe H. Church of All Halloivs, Barking, when for the first time during the day, cheering broke out. The Queen spent over an hour in an inspection of the church accompanied by the vicar, the Rev. “Tubby" Clayton, Princess Mary and the Archbishop of Canterbury. They saw the Prince of Wales’3 Toe H lamp in the crypt and knelt and prayed together. Colonel Sir Hugli Mallinson Rigby is an M.S. of London University and” an F.R.C.3., Eng. He has been honorary surgeon to the King since 1917. He has been surgeon to the Prince of Wales’s ] Household since 1923, and has written many papers in the surgical and medical publications.