THE NETHERLANDS: Royal Wedding

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An oath of allegiance to his future mother-in-law, Queen Wilhelmina, was sworn on the Parade Ground at The Hague last week by German and Nazi Prince Bernhard ("Benno") zu Lippe-Biesterfeld, handsomely accoutered as a Dutch hussar. His Highness was made simultaneously a Navy lieutenant and an Army captain, while his fiancee, Crown Princess Juliana, and her mother the Queen proudly watched.

This week on Jan. 7 events were to proceed as follows at The; Hague: The happy pair drive out in the State Coach (presented to Queen Wilhelmina at the time of her marriage in 1901) and alight at the Town Hall with its onion-topped steeple, to have their civil marriage performed. Oranges hang decoratively from Hague trees in honor of the Royal House of Orange-Nassau and nips of gin are downed by the sturdy Dutch in the frosty air. The royal coach rolls on to the Great Church of Saint James, and the Rev. Dr. Welter, former court chaplain, unites Their Royal Highnesses in Holy Matrimony.

Finally Prince Consort Bernhard and Crown Princess Juliana take up their residence in Soestdyk, the castle left by her late reigning grandmother Queen Emma. Her Majesty Queen Wilhelmina has intervened to prevent enthusiastic subjects from presenting a 300-ft. seagoing yacht, but a 100-ft. yacht has been given as a wedding present, just right for safely cruising Dutch canals.