The Henson Journals

[129]

Saturday, April 10th, 1920.

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The weather cleared, & my journey was made under sunshine. But my departure was saddened by the tidings that Charles Parker was dying.

I left Hereford at 9.55 a.m., and reached Paddington at 2.45 p.m. Then I went to the Athenaeum, & afterwards proceeded to Windsor where I arrived in due course at the Castle. I found myself comfortably established in 448 449 West Front. The Dean came to my room, & was most friendly. At dinner I sate beside the Queen, & had much friendly conversation with her. After dinner the King fastened on me, & we had a great talk. In the course of conversation I mentioned, à propos of the P. of W., that I had just edited a memoir of Sir W. Anson, & wd be gratified if H.M. would accept a copy. The King was most gracious, & said he wd be delighted. (We spoke about Prohibition, & the King said that Lloyd George had hustled him into undertaking to abstain during the War, & he had been miserable for 5 years!) Our talk was protracted, but discursive, & I don't find much to record. After their Majesties had withdrawn, I went to the smoking room for awhile before going to bed. So far my visit has been very pleasant. Their Majesties have been most kind & welcoming: and Prince Henry pleased me beyond my expectations.

[130] [symbol]

The King spoke of the Prince of Wales. "He won't read anything: not even the newspapers: but he has a rare power of getting knowledge from conversation & a curious ability of saying the right thing in any situation." I suggested that in these respects he "took after" his Royal Grandfather: & the King agreed. The Queen told me at dinner that the Prince commits his speeches to memory. These speeches are composed for him by "Griggs, the editor of the Round Table". So H.M., and he ought to know. I was impressed by the evident thought which both their Majesties had given to the Labour question. The King had talked with Adamson, & been assured by him that the workmen had no grievance against the Crown.

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