DUKE’S CHAFFEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1940, Page 8

DUKE’S CHAFFEUR

BACK WITH ROYAL MASTER. SECRET REVEALED BY WIFE. George Ladbrook. the Duke of Windsor’s chauffeur, who worked for 2s 6d a week as a doorman when he left the Duke’s service after the abdication, is back at work for his Royal master. Mrs Ladbrook said: “It was supposed to be a secret that my husband was back with the Duke again—but I can't see there is any harm in telling you now. He has been with the Duke for seven months. “When the Duke came to England just after war declared he sent for my husband. We were not surprised, because my husband always believed that he would drive for the Duke again.

“When he left the Duke's service things were difficult for him. He thought it would be easy to get a job. He had about the best references anyone could have. But George eventually found himself as a doorman at a London club. It was hard work for him —he had to stand for hours, and in the last war he was wounded in both legs. “When the Duke saw George again he asked after the children. We have four of them —three of them boys. The Duke is godfather to the boys and gave them a mug each when they were christened,.

“George came home for Christmas. He is very happy to be back at his old job. He was with the Duke for 18 years before. He is not in uniform. His duties are private ones. He drives the Duchess about more than the Duke.”

It was George Ladbrook who drove the Duchess of Windsor across France before the Duke abdicated. He was invited to their wedding.