Who Got What

Twice a year, at New Year's and on his birthday, King George is graciously pleased to honor his subjects with medals, ribands and titles. Last week half a million Britons hastily unfolded their morning papers to see who got what.

Perhaps because of the Depression there were fewer names than usual. Head of the list was His Majesty's strapping daughter, Princess Mary, Countess of Harewood, who in the words of the announcement "shall henceforth bear the style and title of Princess Royal."

Last Princess Royal was King George's younger sister who died Jan. 4, 1931. The one before that was Edward VII's elder sister, the Empress Frederick of Germany, mother of Wilhelm II. The title, to which Princess Mary has every right, is traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the sovereign whenever a vacancy arises. Not mentioned in the honors list (as usual) was Princess Mary's lanky husband, the Earl of Harewood, who has for years dearly longed to be made a duke.

Handsome, learned Lord Chancellor Sankey was made a Viscount (only Laborite except Philip Snowden to receive such an honor). A Barony was given to another potent Laborite, Publicist Clifford Allen, Director of the Daily Herald. Lord Allen bears another distinction: he is one of the few peers of Britain ever to have served a jail sentence. During the War he was imprisoned three times as a conscientious objector.

As usual there were some strange recipients of New Year's honors. Pipe Major John MacDonald was given the Order of the British Empire for his excellent bagpiping. Salote. Queen of the Tonga or Friendly Islands, was made a Dame Commander of the same order. Queen Salote is over six feet tall, broad in proportion and very fond of broiled fish.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.