The morning call., 1893-07-09
Sensational Story of the
Recent Marriage.
PRINCE GEORGE HAD A WIFE
Several Years Ago He Was Married
to the Daughter of an
Engiishman.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

LONDON, July s.-Nothing has been said
ment of the betrothal of the Duke of Y ork
and Princess May. about the painfully
suppressed romance underlying this latest
and most pompous Of royal weddings.
Probably London papers of that date
observed a discreet silence about Mrs.
Fitzherbert. when George " welded the
il-omened Caroline, but it is hardly
without significance that the Daily
News yesterday printed long account of
this bygone marriage scandal. or that one
Of the papers Wednesday morning con-
tanned an obscure reference to nameless
beautiful lady of Malta at the state per-
formance opera on the previous evening.
Vague reports of this story reached Lon
don months ago. and it was kept within
the narrow circles for time. 1t first be-
gan to spread because rich tradesman
received a hint from friend who was in
the secret TO insure his venture in wedding
presents. etc. against possible failure of
the marriage.
On Wednesday the reports became sud-
denly so definite that long odds on wagers
are said to have actually been laid at
Lloyd's against the marriage taking place
the following day.
OF course, it is well-nigh impossible to
get tangible zorro bOratiOn for a tale of this
character when so many powerful ones on
earth are vitality concerned in shutting
it up.
Enough soldity exists to the various
phases of the story, however, to make it
clear that it will have definite place in
those chroniQues scandaleuses which con-
stitute the shaded side OF British dynastic
history.
The most authentic version which
comes to me and rests upon the authority
Of one who has gathered the facts at first
hands in Malta upon his word of honor
not to divulge the family name involved.
is that between four and five years ago
George was married by the Roman
Catholic ritual to the daughter of British
naval officer of high rank ana that there
are children by their marriage.
Information from absolutely reliable
sources say hat this lady from Malta is
the daughter Of British naval captain
who had been stationed at Malta for
mum Der of years. 1t is quite possible. if
it were necessary, to give the date Of mar
rage at Valetta and even the names of the
reople who witnessed the ceremony.
1t is told by lady now living at Rich
mond, near White Lodge. whence Princess
May drove on Tuesday to be married, that
one week ago letter from Princess May
was being shown about in court circles,
furtively Of course, in which the Princess
said to her titled lady correspondent that
she knew all about the whole affair.
This. of course, was TO be taken for
granted. but the fact that her letter was
being handed about for prurient inspec-
ton shows how speedily the entire matter
may be expected to obtain publicity.
In these days that the secret should not
be kept much longer. that it will filter by
word Of mouth through all England. is
matter of course. So far as can be judged
up to the present its effect is to create
kind of sympathy for George. who
seems to have stood out as long as possible
under the terrific pressure. and at last sue
cumbed only because the interest Of the
dynasty seemed imperatively to demand
submission.