Ridding Herself of Etiquette

She could run, but couldn't rid herself of etiquette! —“With her attractive appearance, wonderful charm of manner, rare gift of sympathy and eagerness to share with others the pleasures that fell to her lot, she soon won all hearts...”

Running to Get Rid of Etiquette?

While she was a girl, the habits of Princess Mary were simple enough, and not unlike those of other well-bred girls. She was rather fond of state and ceremony, but on one occasion a friend who called upon her was surprised to find her running round and round the flower beds in the garden at the top of her speed.

“Why are you running so fast, Princess?” the friend ventured to inquire.

“To get rid of the etiquette,” was the reply. “We have just had a visit from the emperor of ‘__________.’” From “A Memoir of Her Royal Highness, Princess Mary Adelaide” —New York Times, 1900

The Duchess of Cambridge went a good deal into general society, and, following in the steps of the Duchess of Gloucester, was a frequent visitor at the country homes of the old aristocracy. In this way, Princess Mary had the opportunity of choosing her own friends, and was able to meet, without the restraint of Court etiquette, the distinguished men and women of the day, advantages which her social qualities and natural ability allowed her fully to appreciate.

With her attractive appearance, wonderful charm of manner, rare gift of sympathy and eagerness to share with others the pleasures that fell to her lot, she soon won all hearts, and in a very short time established herself a universal favourite. — A Memoir of HRH Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck, 1900

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia