Duke of Orleans ill

July 29, 1923

The Duke of Orleans, pretender to the French throne, is "detained at Inverness Lodge, a spacious villa in Roehampton," near London, reports the Daily Express.  The report has been picked up by the New York Times.

He is watched over night and day by "male attendants."  He is said to be "so ill that at times he suffers from delusions."

Occasionally, the duke has cried out: "I am here a prisoner, I, the King of France, a prisoner."

He was staying at Oaklea in Wimbledon, where he became ill.  He was taken by ambulance to Inverness Lodge "to undergo special treatment."  According to the news reports, he was removed by four people against his will."

The Duke's chief financial agent in England released a statement on his behalf:
"The Duke contracted an infection of paludeene fever (malaria) during his r3cent travels in Africa.  he was In poor health when he came from Brussels to London three months or so ago, hoping that the change would do him good.  When he came to London, he stayed at Oaklea, Wimbledon.  There he became very much worse.  The advice of eminent medical men in London and from Paris was sought and it was agreed among members of the Duke's family that he should receive special treatment.

"It was impossible for this treatment to be given at Oaklea and for the sake of convenience the house,  Inverness Lodge, was taken, furnished as a suitable place where the Duke could be kept.  Everyone of the Duke's relatives knows of his condition and of the steps that were taken.  King George was informed, former King Manoel of Portugal making a journey to England for the purpose of telling the King.

"As a matter of fact the Duke did not know where he was coming when he was brought here. He practically was unconscious at the time and was carried out from his bed at Oaklea and removed here in an ambulance.  The Duke is under the direct supervision of two leading doctors in London and doctors from Paris also come to see him.  In addition, there is his private physician, Dr. Cromie, who is in charge of the house.  Male attendants are always with the Duke.  I am glad to say that the Duke, under treatment is now very much better.  He still gets very tired but his attacks have been fewer.  There is every hope that he will be well again in a month or so and be able to return home to Brussels.  His sister, Queen Amelia of Portugal, comes frequently to see him."