THE PRINCE OF WALES A FREEMASON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 494, 22 April 1869, Page 3

THE PRINCE OF WALES A FREEMASON.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, before leaving Stockholm, was entered an apprentice to Freemasonry, and, having speedily " passed " to the rank of a " fellow craft," was raised to the full degree of a Master Mason, as recognised by the Order all over the world. It is stated that the newlymade Royal Brother entered upon some of the fancy degrees more practised on the Continent than in England, and was made a Knight of the Masonic Order of Charles the Thirteenth. The present Grand Master of the English Order, Lord Zetland, has held office for a quarter of a century, and the Lodges are contributing to a fund for the presentation of a testimonial to him in celebration of his long service, and following the precedent set in the presentation of plate weighing 1800ozs to the late Grand Master, the Duke of Sussex, who held the office for 25 years. It is thought probable that the Prince will become affiliated to the English Order, and will rise to the position held by several of his princely predecessors, it beiny; understood that the present Grand Master desires retirement. The position of Grand Master, by the constitution of the craft, can only be held by a Prince of the blood Royal, a member of a noble house, or by a man of "letters." The Queen has given her active patronage to Beveral of the Masonic charities.