Stopover in Washington

Like most Britons, Princess Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, tuned in the election returns last week. They were almost halfway round the world from Whitehall, resting from their tour of Canada at luxurious Eagle's Crest Lodge on Vancouver Island. Their reactions were carefully concealed. Said a spokesman: "The Royal Family is above politics. There is no comment they can make."

Three restful days at Eagle's Crest were Elizabeth's and Philip's preparation for the most strenuous week of their tour. In the next four days, they sped eastward across 2,500 miles of Canada to see, and be seen by, more cheering Canadian crowds. This week they would arrive in Washington for a three-day stopover at Blair House as guests of President and Mrs. Truman. On the program are two formal dinners, luncheon with the Tru-mans and a round of capital receptions and sightseeing, patterned on the visit of the British King and Queen twelve years ago.

Judged by Canada's impression, Elizabeth is not likely to match the tremendous personal success scored by her mother on her 1939 U.S. visit. In contrast to the radiant Queen, who often broke royal routine to comfort a weeping child or to chat spiritedly with onlookers, Elizabeth's manner has been more cautiously regal. In the ceremonies, Canadians found her a charming and perfectly trained heiress presumptive. But on the human side, Elizabeth is still a shy girl of 25, self-conscious and tense on her first major public appearance abroad without the overshadowing presence of her parents.

Elizabeth's dashing husband relieved some of the sedate stiffness of the tour. A world-traveled navy veteran, five years older than his wife, Philip was completely relaxed and took the acclaim in stride. His whispered asides helped ease Elizabeth's nervousness, sometimes brought a spontaneous smile to the Princess' face at taut moments. Philip's warm interest in the people and sights made him a solid hit with the crowds along the Canadian tour route. U.S. correspondents who traveled with the royal train fully expected that the handsome duke would also shine in Washington. Said one: "Philip could run for Congress on the Republican ticket in Texas and win."

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