New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-07-16
petrothaI of Prince and the
Duchess Of Fife Officially
Announced in London.
poyAL APPROVAL GIVEN
Match Recalls Sea Peril of the
Rride. To BE, Soon Followed
by Fathers Death-Is Eng
lands Wealthiest Woman.
IBy Gable 10 The Tribune. ]

rondon, July 15.-Immense interest
t. taken in the official announcement of
-. hetrothal of Prince Arthur Of Con-
nsueht. King Georges cousin, and the
Drchess of Fife, who is the Kings
.,.ce The desire for the match was
Estimated TO the King, who immedi
otely on returning from Lancashire on
Monday night summoned the Duke of
connaught and Prince Albert TO Lon
don bv telephone. They both came up
from Bagshot that night and We're re-
ceived by the King early yesterday
Morning. when his majesty intimated
his approval of the betrothal
Prince Arthur is thirty years old.
tall fair, very good looking, and eX-
tremely popular not only in society but
II the army, especially with his brother
officers in the Scots Greys. He was a
great favorite of his late uncle, King
rdUArd. as he is Of his cousin, the
nresent King. He has charming man
ners. and possesses the happy knack
Of at once putting at ease those with
whom he is brought into contact. He
rides extremely we'll. and is looked
ppon in the highest military quarters
az a very capable and keen soldier.
As a representative Of his sovereign
abroad ne has been a decided success.
and those who have been attached to
his suite are full Of praise Of his tact.
dignity and discretion. There is no
more popular royal guest at a dinner
marty or a ball. He has been the Kings
ambassador 10 almost every court in
Europe. and it was directly due to the
suggestion OF his majesty that the
prince was made chief Of the four
Councillors Of State who were the Off
cial heads Of the empire during the
absence Of his majesty in India at the
Durbar
The Duchess of Fife, who is twenty
two years old, is the elder daughter Of
the late Duke of Fife and the Kings
sister, the Princess Royal. During
Queen Victorias reign she was only
Lady Alexandra Duff. but seven years
ago King Edward conferred the rank
Of princess on her and her sister, thus
bringing them within the provisions Of
the royal marriage act and rendering
them eligible as wives of English or
European royalty. Princess Alexan-
dra became the Duchess Of Fife on the
death Of her father in January Of last
year. The dukes death will be remem-
bered as having followed closely on the
wreck Of the P. & O. liner Delhi. near
Tangier. on December Is, 1911, in
which the duke and duchess and their
two daughters suffered great hardships
The boat in which they were being
and the royal party were thrown into
the surf. Princess Alexandra disap-
peared for a moment under the sea, but
thanks TO the lifebelts the whole party
were able 10 float to the shore, though
terribly bLffeted by the waves.
The duchess is the wealthiest woman
in her own right in this country, hav-
ing inherited her fathers huge fortune
She is the titular head of the Clan
MacDuff, a distinction Of which her
father was very proud. Report credits
the duchess with a marked personality
and shrew and farseeing business abil-
ity. She is a very popular figure in So
eiety.