New Britain herald., 1929-10-24
He;rothcd Today

Brussels, Oct. 24 CP)-Italy's heir, Humbert. Prince of Piedmont, and Princes Marie Jose, daughter of Al bert, king of the Belgians, were formally betrothed today with pub lication of their engagement on the official Gazette, Le Moniteur.
 Their marriage, in accordance with customs of the House of Sa- yoy. is expected to take place within 40 days in Rome, with the vatican participating prominently. Cardinal Gamba. Archbishop of Turin, prob ably will officiate.
 Actually the formality of Hum- bert's asking King Albert for the hand of his daughter, and its being granted, was gone through yester- day, but in accordance with the wishes of King Victor Emmanuei and Queen Elena, who desired thus to celebrate the anniversary or lhelr own wedding October 26, lS9e' the will date from today.
 People Rejoice
 Rome dispatches said first pub lication of the betrothal there brought great joy to those awake shortly after midnight this morning to receive it.
 Although the press of Europe has been filled with stories of the ln- pending nuptials, the Italian papers today published their first word re- garding it. Italian custom forplds any notice of royal matrimonial af- fairs prior to official announcement.
 The betrothal ceremony between the 25 year old prince and the 23 year old princess was held last eve ming at a gala dinner in the castle of Laecken, in the presence Of the Italian ambassador, intimate friends of the affianced. and the Belgian royal family.
 On the program today was a re- ception at the palace at which the betrothed couple were to receive congratulations of diplomats, mem- bers of the government, and others. The populace were to have an op- portunity to demonstrate their wei come in a reception at city hall, to which the prince and princess, ac- companied by King Albert and Queen Elizabeth will drive in open automobiles through the main streets.
 Prince Humbert and his suite will leave Brussels Friday evening for Rome. While here he has resided at the Italian embassy, from which he departed only three times yes terday, twice to visit Lacken castle, and once to visit former Empress Zita of Austrial- al-Hungary. ! The former Austrian empress, who has not yet left Brussels to take up her new residence at Stee- nockerzeel castle, was deeply touch- | cd by the princes visit. She con- graduated him on his choice of a bride, and wished the couple hap py life together. T do hope that Providence will prove more in dulgent toward you than it has to- ward me" she said.
 Crowds Around Embassy Crowds remained all day about the Italian embassy hoping for a glance at the Prince Humbert. Thousands of women were among 1 throngs. The prince was cheered to the echo each time he appeared. The embassy still bears the marks of the anti-Fascist rioting before it last week.
 The romance between the prince and princes of childhood origin and has been fastered at more re- cent meetings in Switzerland and 1 southern Italy. The prince and princess went bob-sledding together at St. Moritz last winter. The prin- cess is a great outdoor Gportswom- an; she is said often to remain in swimming for as much as two hours at a time.