Popular Prince Mourned By All New Zealanders

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1942, Page 3

Popular Prince Mourned By All New Zealanders

Press Assn.

■ I ■ . Intended visit to Dominion recalled.

Wellington, Last Night.

"Every citizen of New Zealand and all members of its armed forces oversea s will feel most profound regret at the death of the Duke of Kent," the acting Prime Minister, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said to-dhy. The Governor-General sent the following message to the King: "I beg to express to Your Majesty with my humble duty the respectful sympathy of the Government and peoples of New Zealand on the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, news of which has been received with deepest regret by Your Majesty's subjects in this Dominion (signed) C. L. N. Newall." "His Royal Highness was on a war service mission, and for that reason alone all those who have suffered the. sad effects of warfare will share a deeper sorrow. We live in an age of hazard and abrupt tragedies. He was only 39 years of age. The esteem in which the fourth son of the late King George V was held was won by his charm of personality not only as a prince, but as a man of the people. He was popular with his fellow men. This was demonstrated throughout his early career in the Royal Navy, and also during the genial fulfilment of his duties. . We all recall the delight and goodwill of the whole British Commonwealth at his marriage in the autumn of 1934 to Princess Marina. Subsequently he was esteemed as a model family man, a trait which marked the life of his father, and one which appeals to the hearts of the British people. "Just before the present war there was a prospect of His Royal Highness visiting New Zealand and taking part in the Ceritennial celebrations. In fact, all arrangements had been made for the contemplated visit, but the war intervened and deprived our people of their keenly anticipated pleasure. Now, like many thousands .of splendid men who have sacrificed their lives to uphold the cause of British freedom, justice and peaceful progress, a beloved prince has passed on active service from the ways of men. Widowed Princess. "It will be realised to-day that there is a poignancy of grief in the Royal household. A widowed princess weeps in common with a multitude of wives and mothers throughout the vast realms of the King. There will be quick expression of deep and sincere sympathy. As Their Majesties are to the people in this era of strife and violent war, so will all the people be to the Royal Family in this hour of sorrow. The Government joins with the citizens of the Dominion in expressing its profound sympathy with the bereaved duchess and members of the Royal Family."