The Next DayNews of Princess Margaret’s concern for Hong Kong’s housing crisis and her discussions with Hardy Group made headlines across multiple newspapers. Reports highlighted the plan to build 50,000 affordable rental units to address the housing needs of 200,000–300,000 people.
While the public’s enthusiasm for royal figures was lukewarm, the promise of resolving their most pressing issue—housing—garnered widespread appreciation for the princess.
Day FourPrincess Margaret visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club, specifically Hardy’s Kowloon venue.
At each stop during her visit, the princess noticed that the public’s enthusiasm seed greater than the previous day. Curious, she asked Hardy why this was so.
"It’s because you’ve helped them secure 50,000 new hos," Hardy explained with a smile.
Margaret realized then that Hardy’s comnts to the press were not rely to placate the journalists.
During the horse racing performances, Governor Grantham accompanied her, and Margaret brought up the affordable housing plan.
Grantham acknowledged the issue. "The Hong Kong governnt has been aware of the housing shortage, but large-scale affordable housing projects require substantial funding, which the governnt cannot provide all at once. As for real estate developers, they prefer building for sale, not for rental."
"Hardy has agreed to take on this task. I hope your governnt can collaborate effectively with him," Margaret remarked.
"Of course, Your Highness. I’ll have my team coordinate with Hardy Group imdiately," Grantham replied.
The Hong Kong governnt wasted no ti and began discussions with Hardy Group the following day. Victor, already briefed by Hardy, laid out the terms confidently:
Land Provision:The governnt would supply land to Hardy Real Estate at a low price. This was effectively a way for Hardy Group to acquire land cheaply, with its eventual appreciation being Hardy’s profit.
The governnt agreed to this condition.
Funding Support: The governnt would contribute partial funding, while Hardy Group would cover the rest. All rental inco would go to Hardy Group.
The governnt initially objected, questioning why they wouldn’t receive any returns. Victor countered by emphasizing the financial strain of affordable housing, which was already a loss-making endeavor for Hardy Group. Victor concluded, "If you can manage this alone, then by all ans, go ahead." Realizing their inability to execute the project independently, the governnt relented.
Public Infrastructure:The governnt would be responsible for supporting infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, bus stops, utilities, and other facilities.
The governnt readily agreed, as this was already within their purview.
Grantham, eager to finalize the deal before Margaret’s departure, made significant concessions.
The final agreent stipulated that the governnt would provide land, partial funding, and infrastructure. In return, Hardy Group would manage the construction and rental of the housing units, retaining ownership of the land and properties.
Hardy also saw significant indirect benefits. Many construction materials, such as cent, steel, and pipes, ca from Hardy’s factories, boosting their sales. Additionally, the housing project would stimulate economic activity in Hong Kong, raising the value of Hardy’s broader investnts.
By the end of Princess Margaret’s visit, Hardy had effectively secured a lucrative 30-year investnt. The land used for the 50,000 rental units alone was projected to be worth billions in three decades.
The public, anwhile, saw the princess as a champion of their welfare, believing her discussions with Hardy were entirely focused on their housing needs.
On the day of her departure, crowds lined the streets to bid Princess Margaret farewell. The turnout far exceeded that of her arrival, and, notably, the people ca voluntarily rather than being organized by the governnt.
The princess’s efforts had left a profound impression on Hong Kong’s citizens, who saw her as a symbol of hope for a better future.
Princess Margaret left Hong Kong after a visit that garnered widespread praise, with British newspapers also providing extensive coverage.
Her Royal Highness took a keen interest in the welfare of the people, facilitating a project in Hong Kong to build 50,000 units of affordable housing. Over the next five years, this would solve the housing problems for 200,000 to 300,000 people in Hong Kong, highlighting the royal family’s care for the public.
Upon returning to the palace, Princess Elizabeth greeted her sister with a warm hug, smiling as she said, "You did an excellent job this ti, facilitating the construction of 50,000 affordable housing units, and the royal family has received praise."
"Sister, it’s mainly thanks to Hardy. He is a responsible entrepreneur. When we discussed this topic, he expressed his willingness to help solve so practical issues for the people of Hong Kong, even if it ant giving up so of his profits."
Princess Margaret didn’t forget to praise her lover, Hardy.
"Of course, it’s Hardy’s contribution, but it’s also your achievent," said Princess Elizabeth, holding her sister’s hand as they walked inside.
"How did you find this visit? Was it enjoyable?"
"It was very enjoyable. Through these visits, I increasingly feel that mbers of the royal family should get out more. This way, we can better highlight the presence of the royal family," Margaret said.
Her words were, in fact, laying the groundwork for her next trip.
It was now mid-1952.
anwhile, the war on the Korean side was still raging. The Global Tis had sent many reporters to the battlefield, providing very detailed coverage of the war.
At this point, the war was still in a tense state. Experience tales at .Côm
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Hardy did not stay in Japan for long and returned to the United States, where more important matters awaited him.
The new U.S. presidential election was in full swing. Four years had passed in the blink of an eye, and Johnson could not run for re-election, making the new president the main focus of public attention.
As early as the previous year, Dwight D. Eisenhower had been put forward as a candidate.
Behind him was a powerful financial backing, including Rockefeller, Morgan, DuPont, llon, the California syndicate, and Hardy Group.
California was now one of the key strongholds of the Republican Party.
Currently, Republicans held the majority in the Senate.
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