KING GEORGE'S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 152, 23 December 1911, Page 10 (Supplement)

KING GEORGE'S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

JUVENILE PRINCES AND PRINCESSES.

To fellow monarchs it is customary for the King of Great Britain to send his latest photograph in a solid silver frame suitably engraved. This is easy enough, but when, as is now till; case, there are numerous Royal youngsters to buy presents for, the task of selection is not an easy one. King George's six children are, of course, specially catered for; and although these fortunate children have all the resources of civilisation at. their disposal, they are, after all, just children., and so dote oil bicycles, cameras, and the latest contrivances in mechanical toy?—all of which are dear to the heart of humbler but not less human youngsters. Little Prince Olaf of Norway is another fortunate recipient of beautiful tins at Christmas, and "Uncle George" never forgets him. Then the children of Princess Margaret of Connaught, now the wife of the Crown Prince of Sweden, will receive gifts suitable to their tender years. The King of Spain's youngsters and the many children of the Czar of Russia. are also on the list —indeed, even mention of all tlie juvenile Princes ami Princesses would fill more than a column. Resides friends and relations the King remembers his tenantry and servants. The former are entertained at a play royally commanded, and the humbler workers on his e-tates given substantial presents of beet. etc. To his personal -cream-; the King gives two dances in I lie New Year, and as evening dress must, be worn these aristocrats of domeslie servants by no means resemble the usual kitchen dancers. During the dancing their Majesties are expect eil to "look in. and it is just, this personal touch I hat lifts thi' function out of the ordinary. The late King was most particular about the comforts of the large stalls cniplovcd at- his residences, and King George lias already given proof that he will lollow in hi- father'- footsteps ill 1 his respect. lint the real Christmas to King George is when he is busy depositing the surprise presents by his children's beds. (Inly when iliev are asleep docs the King enter their rooms, and. as it ta'ics the youngsters a long time to close, their

eyes owin" to till' i 1 injr excitement, his Majesty doos not have much sleep tlii' iiiprlit, before Christmas. But he is lirsl. ,'iinl foremost a family man, and. as everyhotly knows. Christmas was made Jul" children. anil the greatest i n_jo> iiii-iit

fail only he extracted from December 2."i when there an l vopii«j;stcrs to amnse. The I'hildi'en will maki' everybody happy.