The Dominant Strain

Britain's queen-to-be, 19-year-old Princess Elizabeth, looks more & more like her imperious grandmother, Queen Mary. But London's hopeful nightclub owners swear they also see signs in her of the lightsome strain evident in her great-grandfather, Edward VII, and her uncle, ex-King Edward VIII. Last week for the first time Elizabeth and her sister, 15-year-old Princess Margaret Rose, stepped out. They showed a touch of the Edwards, but more--much more--of Mary.

Going to a variety show with the King and Queen (see cut) was fun, but far too formal. Last week, almost on their own, the Princesses went to the theater (Terence Rattigan's bland While the Sun Shines at the Globe). With them was a 25-year-old chaperone, the Honorable Mrs. Vicary Gibbs, good-looking war widow. For once the royal party sat in decent orchestra seats instead of the neck-craning royal box. Squiring Elizabeth was Lieut. Nigel Page of the Blues (Royal Horse Guards), and with Margaret Rose was Lieut. Charles Petherick of the Tins (Life Guards). After the show the Guardsmen took their "dates" straight home, bade them goodnight at Buckingham Palace.

From now on, explained a Palace spokesman, the Princesses will "live the lives of two young girls." Elizabeth, who now has her own apartment at the Palace, likes helping Papa and Mama entertain. At Palace parties, the King loves to lead a conga line. Every fifth dance he dutifully foxtrots or waltzes with the Queen.

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