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Gloucester & Juliana? Stubborn with the indomitable obstinacy of good women, both widowed Queen Wilhelmina and her only child, dumpling Crown Princess Juliana, have rejected all hints by Netherlands statesmen that it might be well for them to pay a visit to their Empire. In the strong-minded opinion of the Queen this is stuff & nonsense. She prefers to study her Empire industriously through voluminous reports and tedious lectures delivered by the most eminent Dutch professors. Wilhelmina has her doubts that she could possibly learn more of Indonesia by going there, and as for letting Juliana out of her sight for such a trip—impossible. The Queen's idea of a good time for the Crown Princess is for both of them to go bicycling, side by side. On a visit to England last summer, Juliana asked Dutch reporters not to mention that King George had taken her to the Royal Ascot races.
That vulgar youth Don Juan, youngest son of the ex-King of Spain, relates that when not so long ago he tipsily teased Crown Princess Juliana about her sturdy legs, Juliana replied: "It is only proper that they should be strong, as I am the sole support of the House of Orange." So she is. Years ago the Netherlands Parliament barred from succession all kinfolk of the Sovereign except direct descendants. Thus nationalistic Dutchmen shut out the Queen's throne-hungry German relatives, but the simultaneous death of Wilhelmina and Juliana became an appalling risk. It would extinguish the Dutch Royal House, plunge the nation into turmoil, and force Parliament to decide between electing someone to the Throne or setting up a different form of government.
Today buxom Juliana is 26. Her prompt marriage is imperative and a burning issue in The Netherlands. For the good of the white race British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin is said to have, in common with Dutch Premier Hendrikus Colijn, a prayer ful hope that George V's sole remaining bachelor son, the Duke of Gloucester, and Crown Princess Juliana may someday see their way clear to the Altar.