The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-10-09
A Royal Love Match

Announcing the engagement Of King Boris of Bull
Raria to the young and beautiful Princess Giovanni OF
italy, the royal publicists assert 1t is q love match which
has the enthusiastic endorsement of the two principals TO
the marriage.
This may or may not be taken with a grain OF salt,
depending on the point Of view, but it is q fine thing for
King Boris and his bride-to-be If true.
Royal marriages have, in the past. been looked upon
as matters of convenience or political necessity rather
than personal preference, and despite the protestations
Of the politicians that loves young dream Is responsible
for the approaching wedding, there are other factors
which deserve consideration.
Take the case of King Boris. Italy always has been a
power in the Adriatic and under Mussolinis aggressive
leadership it is more so than ever. AS long a. the king
had to fall in love it is a happy occurrence for the reign
ing line that he should lose his heart to an Italian prin-
cess and thereby weld to himself the support of Italy in
the affairs of the turbulent Balkans.
The King. now past 30 years old, was almost forced
by necessity to marry someone. Kings may have their
own way in most things, but there are rules which apply
even to the game of kingship and one Of them Is that
the reigning monarch must marry and provide the ma
ton with a successor to the throne. There just isn't and
cannot be such a thing as a bachelor king. It is not in
line with tradition and if tradition is powerful anywhere
it is In connection with the doings Of royalty.
An heir apparent might marry one Of the lesser
princesses of q neighboring country, but not so a ruling
monarch. It would not be in keeping with his dignity to
affiliate his house with any but q princess Of q reigning
family.
And so 1t was a happy thing for King Boris that he
lost his heart to the beautiful young Italian princess.
From the standpoint Of the princess there also are CO.
gent reasons why Boris should prove attractive.
From infancy, Giovanni has been reared with the idea
that she could wed only a man of royal blood. She has
been taught to accept it as one OF her conditions Of life,
just as the applause and respect Of the populace Of her
native country are accorded her as a matter Of right.
Royal folk live more simply than many Americans Of
vast wealth-and they have different ideas. One of
them is the matter Of marriage. Most royal houses came
to power only after travail and difficulty. Each member
Of the house feels it is his or her duty to do what he or
she can to advance the family interests. If there is less
OF individualism about royalty there also Is more stabil-
tty than Americans are accustomed to.
Besides, what girl could resist the thought Of becoming
. queen In her own right following her marriage to .
handsome. well-educated and attractive man? There are
thousands Of American girls who would Jump at the
chance even If Boris were a deformed misogynist instead
Of . somewhat gifted and popular ruler.
And SO it looks as though we would have to accept the
love-natch story on the ground that both Boris and his
sweetheart" have been carefully schooled in the theory
that they needn't marry for political reasons but there is
no objection to letting their hearts 60 where political
Advantage seems most obvious.