VEILED RULER FROM INDIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3253, 26 June 1911, Page 2

VEILED RULER FROM INDIA.

BEGUM OF BHOPAL AND HER SUITE IN ENGLAND.

The Begum of Bhopal. a rich, veiled Indian Princess, is now in England for the Coronation. Her visit has many elements of mystery about it. For one thing this wealthy princess never appears in public without a heavy veil that prevents observers . from seeing what manner of woman she is who rules over nearly a million people and seven thousand square miles of territory. The princess has taken Patterson House, Nutfield, near Redhill, where she has already become known as a vc-iy eaily riser. She is in the habit of strolling about the lawns before the rest of the world is awake.

She has brought over with her from India a large suite, which includes priests, a physician ,an astrologer, and a cook. It is part of the priests’ duties to attend the killing of chickens for The princess’s consumption. Her jewels and jewel-studded ornaments and other utensils have been- placed in the care of a bank. 1 No fewer than 150 packages were needed to bring over the special dresses and foods. . The Begum was received by the King a nd was afterwards a conspicuous figure at the Court. She wore -a robe madin one piece. In the veil over her head and face are two eye-holes. She spent one night after the Court _ at a London hotel, where she was. waited on at meals by the maids, as it is her custom never to appear before a man unveiled. Waiters were, there, banished from her presence.