The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-11-30 00:00:00

THE BETROTHAL OF THE PRINCESS

THYRL

The Copenhagen Correspondent of the Standard,
writing on the 20th inst., sends some further particu-
lars concerning the public declaration of the engage-
ment between the Princess Thyra and the Duke of Cum-
berland, which was made at a banquet at Fredensborg
Castle, situated some thirty miles from Codenhagen,
where the Royal family reside a great part of the
year.

The company, who were dressed in full Court
uniform, arrived from Copenhagen shortly after five
o'clock, and assembled in the drawing-room. The
Queen, the Crown Princess, the Princess Thyra, and
the Ladies in attendance were dressed in white silk,
with diamond ornaments, the Crown Princess being
literally covered with brilliants. The King and the
Royal Prihces wore the uniform of a General of the
Danish army, with the broad blue ribbon of the Order
of the Elephant, while the Duke of Cumberland
wore the uniform of an En4lish General, with the
Star of the same Order on his breast. At a signal
given by his Majesty, the doors of the Banquet.
ting.hall were thrown open, and the procession
was formed in the following order :—The King
leading the Princess Thyra, the Duke of Cum-
berland her Majesty the Queen, the Crown Princess
being led by Prince Wilhelm of Giiicksborg, brother
of the King; while the Crown Prince led Madame de
Raben, the Mistress of the Robes, and Prince John of
Gliicksborg, the Countess Rewentlaw in attendance on
the Queen, followed by the general company. The
table was laid for sixty•seven couverts, and was
beautifully ornamented with centrepieces and flowers,
while on the sideboards were marshalled an array of
silver tureens, cups, and other plate. In an adjoining
room the band of the Life Guards was placed, playing
during the banquet, but on account of the recent death
of the brother of the King the music selected was
rather serious for such a happy occasion.

Towards the end of the repast the King rose, and
made a short speech in French, announcing the be-
trothal of his well-beloved daughter with the Duke of
Cumberland, and asking all present with him to wish
the young couple all happiness. The King was evi-
dently very much affected at the idea e.f losing his last
daughter. After a flourish of trumpets, the band
played "God Save the Queen !" and then the Duke of
Cumberland rose and spoke ,a few sentences, also in
French, thanking their Majesties for having allowed
him to become a member of their august family, and
concluding with asking the company to drink long
life and happiness to their. Majesties. The band
again sounded loud flourishes, and played the Danish
National Anthem.

At the dessert the two eldest sons of the Crown
Prince entered the hall, young, handsome boys of
some eight and nine years, and bounded at once to the
side of their grandfather. About a quarter-past eight,
their Majesties and the members of the Royal family
returned to the reception-room in the same order, fol-
lowed by the brilliant company, and here all the guests
were presented to the Duke of Cumberland. The com-
pany broke up shortly before nine o'clock, and re-
turned to Copenhagen by a special train.