23 NOVEMBER 1951, Page 5

Reading by chance in the last few days Higham's excellent

book on Charles I, I came on a passage which at the present moment is neither uninteresting nor irrelevant. It deals with one of Henrietta Maria's ill-fated accouchements.

" The Queen's life," it is stated, " was in danger, and the doctors informed the King that they could save her or the child, but one must be sacrificed. Charles had no hesitation. He could have other children, please God, he answered ; he would rather save the mould than the cast."

This, of course, has only the value that anyone may choose to attach to it. King Charles' decision on such a point is no better, than, say, Mr. George Robey's. Both equally deserve respect.

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