New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-11
PRINCESS IRENE.
G.. w. 5.

THE WIFE OF PRINCE HENRY OF PRUSSIA.
Princess Henry of Prussia. wife Of Emperor Will
Jams only brother is probably the least favored
both far beauty and brancy of intellect are
concerned of the daughters of the late Grand Duke
of Hesse and his Consort. Princess Alice. second
daughter of Queen Victoria. Her sisters the Grand
Duchess Sergius of Russia. Princess Louis of Bat
enberg and her unmarried sister. Princess AK,
all three women renowned for their loneliness and
their cleverness. inherited from their talented
mother; whereas Princess Irene and her brother
the reigning Grand Duke take far more after their
father. who heavy both in mind and body.
Princess Irene born In 1866 Just in the midst
of the Seven Weeks War when her father was
called upon 10 night against his own brothers who
were in the Prussian service and against his broth
er-in-law. the late Emperor Frederick; and IL was
the two cavalry regiments under her fathers spe-
cial command that. both officers and men. acted
sponsors at her christening. There is probably no
other Princess in Europe who has ever had two entire
regiments in lieu of godfathers. The name OF Irene
was bestowed upon her by way Of gratitude for the
restoration OF peace and she used always to be
known in her younger days at Darmstai; as the
Friedenskind or Child Of Peace
After her mothers death from dphtheria 1t was
the latters elder sister. the now widowed Empress
Frederick. who endeavored as far as possible 70
look after the children, and IT was perhaps this
that led TO Prince Henry's falling In love with his
cousin. The match was strongly opposed by Prince
Bismarck, the ground of the close relationship
OF the cousins. But when Prince Henry declared
that he would remain single all his life unless he
were allowed to marry Princess Irene consent was
given, ana the wedding took place In lssS at thar-
Gutenberg. in the presence Of the dying Emperor
Frederick. this being the last public ceremony at
which he was present one Of the saddest sights.
indeed. that presented by the Emperor. almost
too weak to stand giving his vocoess blessing after
the ceremony to his favofite son and his daughterin
law. who. having been born in time OF and mis-
cry entering upon her life wife at
time when the whole nation was once more sorrow
ing.
Prince and Princess Henry took up their resi-
lived ever since. and where their only son. little
Prince Waldemar. was born. Although charming
Giles that he IS both deaf and dumb thus furnish
ing proof of the grounds for Prince Bisnarck's
opposition to this union of blood relations This af
Fiction is kept far possible a secret. and has
never before appeared in print at any rate In Ger
many.
While Princess Irene is less brilliant than her
sisters. she Is perhaps more Interested I'm phlan-
thropic movements than any other member Of her
family and al Kiel she is greatly liked by both rich
she IS infinitely skilful with the rifle than her
lucky sportsman OF the German Empire. Some
time while shooting expedition at Corfu. ne
stumbled, and in falling both barrels OF his gun
the royal party being severely wounded. Four years
previously he had similar adventure near Baden
Baden. that time the accidental discharge of his
gun inficung dangerous wounds on one OF the
gamekeepers OF his uncle. the reignng Grand Duke
The unfortunate was incapacitated from further
service by his wounds. and * now In receipt Of
handsome pension from the Grand Duke and from
Prince Henry. Moreover. there ia story current
in English court circles TO the effect that when once
while staying at Balmoral. his grandmother inquired
Of him at dinner at the close Of a days deerstalk-
ing what sport he had had. he airily replied. "Oh.
aged to wound several" An awed silence followed
this astounding remark. Queen Victorias face IS
said TO haze been picnre and and from that time
cOurdged to indulge III deer-slaKlnB