ROYAL COMING OF AGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3562, 29 June 1912, Page 4

ROYAL COMING OF AGE.

PRINCE CF AVALES ATTAINS HIS MAJORITY. The Price of AVales attained his legal majority on Sunday, June 23, when lie celebrated his eighteenth .birthday, and considerable changes took place in the internal arrangements at Buckingham Palace ana Windsor Castle. I’he Prince has had his own rooms and his special valet and footman since lie was created Prince of AYales. On the attainment of his eighteenth year, however, it has been arranged that he will have his own household, the members cf which are now being carefully chosen, by the King and Queen. At Buckingham Palace and AVindsor Castle large suites of apartments,' suitably appointed, have been set apart for the use of the Prince and his staff. The rooms at “Windsor are situated at the upper ward of the Castle, and consist of dining-room, reception and drawing-room, businessrooms (for the Prince and his' secre-

tary), bed ami dressing rooms, and numerous apartments for the members of his Royal Highness’ household. The choice of these rooms has rested solely with the King and Queen. Her Majesty has personally superintended the furnishing and decoration, making several private journeys to Windsor to see what progress has been made and decide general details. Naturally, the King will continue to advise and supervise his son’s occupations and pursuits, but there will be a governor and comptroller of his Royal Highness’s household, an equerry, and two secretaries. There will be a large staff |oif [including special pages, coachmen, grooms, cartel a chauffeur. It must not be taken, however, that the Prince will dissever himself altogether from the affectionate family life to which he has been, accustomed. He will spend some of his time, and will often take his meals, in the company of his parents, sister, and brothers. At the same time, ho will be able to dine alone should he wish, or invite his own patricular friends to luncheon or dinner in his own apartments. Invitations will now be sent direct to the Prince, and through the King. He will also bo able to accept invitations on his own account, although his Majesty will doubtless often he consulted. The Queen’s Regency—created iri the event of prolonged absence or of dire misfortune to the King—will cease automatically- The Prince of Wales will be of age, and legally enabled to take his Majesty’s position should any emergency occur.