A “ PERFECT CAKE."

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3610, 24 August 1912, Page 10

A “ PERFECT CAKE."

PRINCE OF WALES IN CHUMS’ EYES.

QUEEN"* DISCIPLINE MAKES HIM NERVOUS AND SHY.

“I really think his mother ougnt to lie prosecuted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children!’’ exclaimed one of the leading women of England oil hearing in Paris of the way the Prince of Wales was required to pass his time in the French capital. The Alarchmness de Bretouil (Alarcellite Garner of New York) is an object of deep commiseration among her friends because of the perpetual anxiety caused by her guardianship of the Prince. It has completely upset all her social life for the time being (says the New York “World - '). If the Prince of Wales were like other boys of his age, it would not be so irksome, despite his rank; but. according to Queen Alary’s directions, he has been kept in a state of oppressive tutelage every waking moment of his life

When he went to the Breteuils his tutor took a long list ol regulations for his benefit-, which keeps the Alarchioness busy all her time in observing.

THE QUEEN'S COAIMANDAIENT-

He is not to be allowed out ax any time without two tutors, one French,

the other English. He is forbidden to go to any theatre except the opera and the TlicatnFrancais.

On no account is he to meet any girl of liis own rank —and, of course, lie is to be kept rigorously apart from all others, who do not exist for him. lie must he abed every night at-

10-o’clock except when he goes to the theatre.

He is to accept no social engagement without the express permission of tfie Queen, who requires the fullest particulars regarding the character of everyone to be present.

He i« only to bo permitted to read the London “Times” among the English papers, and his tutor is to carefully black out anything verging on the objectionable in the Paris ‘Temps' the only French paper he is allowed to see.

finally, the young Bretem'ls, on whose cheery lives his coming proved a perfect blight, must not introduce him to any of their friends or ever to go out with him alone.

DAILY REPORTS AND LETTERS

Daily reports are prepared and mailed by both tutors, by the Marchioness, and by the Prince himself to the Queen, who writes to him every dav.

It is needless to .say that under this destructive system of upbringing the little Prince naturalv is nervous, shy, and backward, and is voted a “perfect cake.” He never speaks to anybody he meets except in monosyllables. He is not even good at English games like golf and cricket, at which the young Breteuils easily beat Jum.

The Queen lias instilled into him over-wcening conceit regarding his own position and responsibility. Consequently he is always afraid of compromising his dignity. All this is required from a sense of duty and a conscientious desire to keep the Prince in the path of strictest rectitude. It is exactly what Queen Victoria tried with the late King, but failed. The present Prince of Wales, however, is of a differentstamp, and the course of discipline is only succeeding too well.