PRINCESS MARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1921, Page 4

PRINCESS MARY.

HER ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED. TO VISCOUNT LASCELLES, D.S.O. “A LOVE-MAKING COURTSHIP." -By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyrlgtt. Received Nov. 23, 8.10 p.m. London, Nov. 22. A Court Circular states it is with the greatest pleasure that the King and Queen announce the betrothal of theii beloved daughter, Princess Mary, tc Viscount Lascelles. The courtship has been real lovemaking. The couple have ridden and walked together in London and the country for long, and it was obvious tc those in inner circles that it was a love match. Other association at country houses and at Sandringham provided op portunitiefl for knowing and appreciating each other’s work. Viscount Lascelles approached the King personally and diffidently. The King considered carefully, without re ference to his Ministers. He and the Queen talked with Princess Mary, anc soon realised that their daughter’! happiness centred in Viscount Lascelles whereon they consented that he should pay a formal suit. Official.—The King and the Privj Council have declared their consent tc Princess Alary’s marriage.—Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn.

THE ENGAGEMENT WELCOMED. BRIEF PERSONAL SKETCHES. VISCOUNT LASCELLES’ WEALTH. Received Nov. 23, 8.55 p.m. London, Nov. ’22. The newspapers welcome Princesi Mary’s engagement, especially the fac! that it tramples down the archaic notioi limiting a Royal marriage to Royai caste. Viscount Lascelles is a very wealthy man. In April, 1916, the Marquis of Clanricarde*died, leaving over £2,000,000, and the residue went to Viscount Lascelles. Throughout the war Viscount Lascelles refused a staff appointment and continued with the Grenadiei Guards in the fighting line, becoming a lieutenant-colonel. Queen Alexandria is delighted with the engagement and offered her granddaughter her heartiest congratulations. Her brothers told Mary how glad they were and the news was cabled to the Prince of Wales in India, everything .happening as in a private family whose only daughter was affianced. Viscount Lascelles dined with the King and Queen last night and sat with his betrothed, the couple afterwards sitting together and discussing how their personal friends should be especially informed. The Princess is a great sportswoman. She rides and drives well; fishes, swims, rows and plays tennis. She was taught by the Prince of Wales to drive a car. She is an exceptional linguist, speaking French, German and Italian well, ‘and Spanish, Norse And Danish less fluently. Viscount Lascelles was in the trenches in 1916 when he was informed his uncl> had left him £2,500,000. He was destined for politics, the war preventing more than one attempt to enter th< House of Commons. He purchased Chesterfield House, which is famous and magnificent, at an enormous price. is a well-known owner of racehorses, which he trains at Newmarket. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. [Viscount Lascelles is the eldest soi of the Earl of Harewood and is 39 years of age. Princess Mary is 24. Th< Viscount served in the Guards and gained a D.S.O. in the war. He has also been A.D.C. to the Governor-General ol Canada.]