1 DECEMBER 1928, Page 1

News of the Week

THE affectionate loyalty of the nation to the King has been so -manifest .during the anxious time. of his illness that a startlingly new emphasis has been given to the fact that the British monarchy not merely survived when crowns were falling like autumn leaves but has added to its already great popularity. Consoling reflections about this public devotion to the King must have slipped into many minds besides our own in these last few -days, even though our thoughts have been mainly occupied by sympathy and the hope of good- news. The King had an attack similar to that from. which he is now suffering in 1925, and the nation will naturally desire that the doctors should watch carefully over the risks he may unseifishly-., run :itt °future. -Moreover,_ every- body . -would be :rectincifect to the absence of the during.: certain weeks or montha Or the year it_ were known- that visits to -gentler climates were necessary for "his health. The method by which information has been given to the public about the- King's illness has been very wise and is, we suspect, due to the King's own instructions. There has 'been no attempt at mystery or secrecy. This is characteristic of His Majesty's unfailing habit of treating, his people with friendly confidence. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester have decided to return home immediately.