December 1, 1926
Princess Ileana of Roumania met her "Prince Charming" shortly after her "arrival on the shores of this democratic land.
It is a "modern fairy tale with all its whimsical, romantic settings, only in this case the tale is true," reports the New York World.
The story begins soon after the princess arrived in the United States with her mother, Queen Marie, and her brother, Prince Nicholas. One of the first social receptions was a dance at West Point.
The superintendent of West Point, Brig. Gen. M.B. Stewart, "looked around for proper escorts for the princess." He chose to candidates, both "honor men in the class." One was Cadet Lieutenant William J. Glasgow of Washington, D.C., the other Cadet Captain Henry G. Douglas of Bel Air, Md." Glasgow is the "manager of the army soccer team," while Douglas "is the regimental supply officer."
Both men "are very handsome," but Glasgow is "considered the Adonis of the academy."
It didn't take long for Princess Ileana to make her choice. Douglas danced with her twice "tactfully," then "retired gracefully to the background," leaving Glasgow "a clear field."
After several dances with Cadet Glasgow, "the princess herself suggested a retreat for fresh air and a view of the moon and the great palisades."
As with all fairy tales, the evening ended "all too soon," but when Ileana shook "hands warmly in farewell id not mean good-bye."
All through the 10, 000 mile cross country trip, the Princess did not forget Cadet Glasgow. Two days before sailing home, the princess asked Paul D. Cravath, a lawyer who represented the Queen in a breach of contract suit, to "arrange for young Glasgow to come to New York to take luncheon with her."
Cravath got in touch with General Stewart. Ileana's wish "was thwarted." The commander said no, but "true to fairy tale fashion, Ileana found a way."
She asked if she could come to West Point and have Mr. Glasgow "take luncheon with her there." The General agreed, and Princess Ileana traveled to West Point, where she and Cadet Glasgow had lunch at the Thayer hotel. Others were also present "satisfy convenience, so young Douglas was invited also." This provided a background to the winding up of a charming episode in the life of a beautiful princess."
Cadet Glasgow later spoke to a "persistent World reporter: "I cannot remember what the Princess talked about in particular ... It was what you would call 'light talk'.... Yes, I have an autographed photograph of the Princess, which I keep well hidden.... I am going to Paris next summer, but not to Bucharest ....Royal Highnesses always make marriages of state, you know."
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