A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK R ELIEF at the satisfactory progress reported by
the King's doctors is to some extent counterbalanced by .the insis- tence laid on the essential necessity for a prolonged convalescence. Not, of course, that • there is any reason for alarm here. Lung affections regularly call for such treat- ment. But the demands made on the King's health and strength are perhaps not quite fully appreciated. There is little time for rest in a constitutional monarch's life. King George is known to be particularly conscientious in studying the mass of official documents with which his position requires him to deal. It is an exacting business, and so are the numerous ceremonial functions that have to be discharged— agreeable though they may seem, and the King makes them seem, superficially. In that sphere, fortunately, all that is necessary can be done, as it is being done most adequately by the Queen and the two Princesses, with the Duke of Gloucester standing in as may be appropriate. But one question may be asked with all respect. The Duke of Edinburgh clearly feels a dobble pull of duty. That could hardly be otherwise. He is a sailor and cares for his career. But he is also- the husband of the heir to the throne, and in present circumstances very considerable burdens rest on her. The Duke is able, popular and incidentally a good speaker. Many sailors could command the ' Magpie.' No one could quite render the service he is capable of rendering at home.
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