31 MAY 1940, Page 6

In both matter and manner King George's Empire Day broadcast

was much the best he has ever delivered. The ex- planation as regards manner is, I believe, the King's patience and assiduity in rehearsal. He was not, I imagine, consciously modelling himself on the Prime Minister, but to more than one listener his more vigorous passages distinctly recalled Mr. Churchill's style ; which is high praise. Royal broadcasts often have mainly a ceremonial value. This one would have stimulated and inspired even it had been delivered by a nobody. The resolution with which the King has overcome the slight disability which has made broadcasting more of a duty than a pleasure to him in the past deserves all admiration.