New-York tribune., 1906-10-28
Il DUC4L SEPARATION.
English Papers Tell of Trouble in
House of Marlborough.

London. Oct 27.-The afternoon papers here
quote The Manchester Guardian" as saying
that deed of separation between the Duke ana
Duchess OF Marlborough has been signed, on
the ground of incompatibility Of temper by the
provisions of which the duchess keeps Sunder-
land House. London. and her own dowry. but is
precluded from going TO Blenheim The docu-
ment, it Is added. signed on October 20
The duke is now at Blenhein and the duchess Is
staying at Sunderland House.
Although the principals concerned decline to
furnish any information. all indications tend to
corroboration of the stories that a climax has
been reached in the domestic affairs of the ducaI
house of Marlborough. Both the London and
provincial papers say that the deed OF separa-
ton between the duke and duchess has been
signed.
The mystery with which the principals are
shrouding the affair has been deepened by a
statement made by the dukes lawyers, who say
that they are entirely ignorant of the existence
Of a deed of separation. and that If separa-
ton has been accomplished it must have been
carried through by other attorneys.
Persons on the Blenheim Castle estate are
freely discussing the affair and it appears to
be the general understanding that the palace
will be closed. as the duke will find difficulty IN
keeping It up. It is said that he will make his
home at Woodstock House. a small place on the
estate.
The duchess remains IN close seclusion at
Sunderland House, on Curzon street, this city.
Her father. ". K. Vanderbilt, was with her
until three days ago, when he LETT LONDON
either for Paris or for New York.
The report of the separation Of the duke and
duchess hardly comes as a surprise. Runors Of
their disagrsements have been circulating FOR
several years These runors recently became
more positive and despite the efforts OF friends
Of the family to keep the matter quiet, gossip
has been busy. There are unconhrned reports
that as late as last week final efforts were made
by Mr.. Vanderbilt to effect reconciliation Tor
the sake of the children.
Persons intimately acquainted with the MARI
borough household intimate that the friction De-
came acute owing 10 the unsympatneCc attl-
tude Of the duke since the duchess's DEAFNESS
became more pronounced
The duchess has the warmest sympathy OF
every one in London conversant with the situa-
ton Since her arrival here as bride. eleven
years ago she has made herself most popu-
lar She has been active supporter OF char1-
ties hard worker for the benefit Of the ten
ants on the Blenheim estate and general IA
vorite in society. her wealth enabling her to
revive the splendors of the somewhat neglected
palace of Benheim. Only last year she COM
pleted Sunderland House, splendid but III
placed mansion fronting Curzon street and look
ing back over slums and shabby marketplace
When the duke was in South Africa the duchess
was foremost among the noblewomen who
helped to equip field hospitals, and at the coro-
nation Of King Edward she was one Of the
duchesses who carried the silver supports hold
ing the canopy over the queens head Al court
the duchess is a favorite with both the King
and Queen.
1t is said that the duchess will have charge
OF her two sons Lord Blandford and Lord Ivor
Spencer Churchill, until they are old enough
to go TO school. after which they Will divide
their time between the parents.
The wedding of the Duke OF Marlborough and
Mss Consuelo Vanderbilt. the only daughter OF
Mr. and Mrs W K. Vanderbilt, took place at 81
Thomas's Church November T. 1885. Bishop
Potter offlciated. A wedding breakfast followed at
No 2e East 72d street. the home of Mrs w. K.
Vanderbilt. then divorced from her husband The
next year Mrs Vanderbilt was married to Q. Fl. r
Belmont Two children have been. born 70 the
Duke and Duchess of Marlborough-John. Marquis
Of Blandford in 1887, and Lord lvor Charles Spen-
Ger Churchill IN 1898