The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-03-25 00:00:00

(.'...uutose of Cromartie).

--
The Master of the lloree, the The Lord Steward, the Esr
Marquis of Alleebury, N.G. of liesaborough.
The Lady of the Eedchamher In Waiting, the Duchete Of

ozburghe.

The Lady of the Bedchamber to -the Queen, in Attendance on
Her Royal Highness the Bride, the Lady Churchill.
The Maids of Honour in The Woman of the Bed.
Waiting, the Hon. Lucy chamber in Waiting, the
Kerr, the Hon. lloratia C. Hon. Mrs. A. Gordon.
Stopford.
The Groom In Waiting, Rho Lord In Wafting, the
Major• General Sir Francis Lord Methuen,
Seymour, Bart., C B.
The Groom of the Betlchanther The Lord of thellielchamber
to his Royal Highness the to Ills Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales, the Hon. Prince of Wales, the Lord
C. L. Wood. Alfred Hervey.
The Equerries is. Walting—Colonel C. T. Du Plat, Colonel
the Earl of Mountchartes.
The Gentlemen in attendance The Equerry to ills Royal
on his Royal Highness the Highness the Prince of
Duke if Sase.Coburg and Wales, Lieutenantralonel
Gotha, Major Von Schra- A. Ellis.
Mach, Lteutenant Von
Z.gesar.
AV12.20, theorgathst, Dr. Elvey, and her Majesty's private
baud struck up the Vestal March, and the first port of the
procession marched up the nave. It consisted of the Prince
and Prlrcess Christian, the firmer wearing a scarlet general's
uniform ; the latter wore light cerise silk, trimmed with lace
and diamond ornaments. Then came the C runt of Flanders
In the uniform ore Belgian general. The Princess of Wales
with the two princes, Albert Victor and George, both in
Highland dresses. The Princess, who looked remarkably
well, wore a dark blue velvet dress and train. Prince Arthur
awl Princess Beatrice 1011, wed. The former was in the
noiform of the Bine Brigade, and the Princess wore a pink
thtin dress trimmed with the same material, and Prince Leo'
p rid, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Peck, and the Princess
Mary of Cambridge in light satin profusely trimmed. These
! f•,.rk up their position on the right of the altar in the outer
circle cf seats. Facing them on the left were the Guile and
Duchess of Argyll. The Duchess wet, white satin and
diamond head dress. The Doke was clad in full Highland
costume of the clan Campbell, dark tartan velvet jacket,
phllibsg, and claymore. The order of the thistle and a
brilliant star were the only decorations. Near the Duke
were the Dowager Duchess of Argyll, r. yrd Campbell, and the
Countess Percy.
As the bridal procession advanced along the nave the sight
was a most charming one, the effect of the extremely elegant
and tasteful dresses of the bride and bridesmaids being
heightened by the contrast afforded by the Niece of Wales's
uniform and the Queen's darker attire. Ti,. bride proceeded
to the altar and took her place at the left-hand side of tile
brldogr, om The (been waa condu,ted to the seat prepared
for her Majesty near the bride, and the l`rnHe of wales and
Use Duke of 3ass-Coburg also Wawa bor.

The following slightly condensed account of the Sluriage
Ceremony, from Ihe Tint,. although somewhat recapituit.
tory of the foregoing, will be read with great Interest

Shortly before noon a cheer from the crowd on Castle-hill
announced the arrival of the Duke and Uncheas of Argyll and
other members of the
an Interval of silence, hating until the people aasembled
bridegroom.
on Castle-hill caught sight of the argots of Lome as his
carriage left the grand quadrangle of the Palace. Within the
room'. family ; then there was
Iron gates on the upper portion of the hill a sufficient number
of ladles and gentlemen had been adninted to form a line
three or four deep along one side of the cerrlage way
. . . .

The opposite or south aide of the road was reser/7ed fOr
the Eton By., who, mustering betwveu SOO and 100
strong, cheered heartily the hero of the day, who not many
years ago was engaged with his Babool-fellows in a like
demons. ration upon the occasion of another Royal wedding.
Soon after twelve o'clock the great officers of tier alaj,sty'a
Household drove down the hill, conducting the Illintrlous
visitors and the members of the Royal Family to lit, George'.
Chapel, hut a. the carriages were not open, and were driven
rather fast, the occupanis were not generally recognised
by the crowd. When, however, an escort of the Life
Guards were Been approaching, the words "the Prin-
ces. of Wale." passed along the line, and people
began to cheer and wave their hate and handkerchiefs
almost lel°re they could see the Priem., of Wales and the
Priteess Christian, with whom were Prince George and Prince
Albert Victor of Wales, A cheer louder and more resonant ,
than any which had yet been heard announced to the most
distant spectators the appearance of Iler Majesty and the
le The Queem it was noticed, seemed to be much
affected by the youthful earnestness with which the Eton
boys greeted her, while the sweet but pensive face of the
Prince,. Louise .bowed traces of emotion, both natural and
becoming under the circunistanee..
If one wanted to choose en interior which should be the
most effective for such courtly ceremonial a. we can show in
England, it wood be hard to find one better fitted than St.
George's Chapel, Windsor. In Ha architecture, in historical
traditloss, in its proportions and arrangements, the beautiful
Gothic structure which successive English Kings loved to
enrich stands alm.t alone of Its kind. Certainly for the
marriage of an Engliah Prince or Prince.s no place seems
more fitting Yet it may be remembered that till yester-
day the Prince of Wales alone of the Queen's children
was married there. That long-to-he-remembered State
wedding was celehrsted on March le, lobe lint, five
years before, the Princess Royal of Prussia—it is hard
to call her by any other mime -- was married in
the Chapel hoyah Si. James's, where the Qaeen herself was
married; and sinoe then the Princess Alice was married to
Prin. Louise of Reese at Osborne, and the Princes,. Helena
In the private chapel attached to the Royal apartments at
Windsor. Thus, arson years have paased since a Royal
wedding was celebrated here: but there were plenty of
slams yesterday who could recall the chief incidents of the
last ceremony, and remember, too, the prelate., warriors,
ard statesmen then present who can be invited guests no
move. It will not have failed to occur to their minds that in
1503, the QIIOOO, In widow', weeds, sat within the Royal
gallery on the left of the altar, some feet above the level of
the alAr, and felt too sad to be more than a spectator of
the ceremony, while now, she was to take &prominent part In
the procession, to sustain her daughter at a trying hour,
and, in familiar household phrase, to " give the Princess
away."
"

To be insiie the Chapel was a privilege hoped for by many,
attained by few. What solicitations had been used with the
Lord Chamberlain and the officers of hie department ; the '
appeals which were aucceasful, and the vastly more numerous
host of there which were heard, re-heard, and rejected; the
energetic attempts at admission which were renewed again
and again—all this must remain a chapter of un-
written history. But the demand for tickets when DO
tickets were left, and the almost despedring cries of
the applicants who, on this occasion, did not prevail
through their much importunity, may readily be Imagined.
The strictly defensive precautions taken were so Bud-
uvula' that there was no unseemly struggle at the door,
no crowding, no confusion at any point. The southern en-
trance was opened at eleven o'clock for admission Into the
Nave; and it will perhaps add to the disappointment of
those who asked, and asked in vain, to know that in the
side Males, behind the rows of seats, there appeared to be
available standing room for two or three hundred more
persons than had received tickete The Nave, In which there
were few privileged seats, nearly all being open alike to the
tint comers, waa soon tilled. In the centre was a carpeted apace
left free for the bridal processions, and a line of seats eu.
tended on either aide from the western doorway to near the
entrance to the Choir Soon after the doors were opened, the
Yeomen of the Guard, halberds in hand, were stationed be a
thin red line along this avenue ; and, with their quaint
scarlet Coats, Tudor hats id black velvet, and the reel of
their media, vat costume, contributed their full share to the
picture for which all were eagerly waiting. For the Mayor
and corporation of Windsor, who attended in their robes, as
well as for the Military and Naval Knights of Windsor,
veterans whose numerous medals and weather-beaten forms
Itold their tale, places were very properly reaerved In the
Nave.

To those spectators who could view both Choir and Nave
the contrast was striking. The effect of the Nave, where the
rich stained glare of the great western window seems almost
to fill one end of the building, is imautiful, but cold. The
eye seems in want of colour, and torts with a sense of relief
to the richer glories of the Choir. There also is a grand
window of painted glue, a pleas memorial to the late Prince
Cmeort, mid She alabaster rered yel, with the beafltifuipnnelt
in coloured marbles representing eubjeas in the Life of
Christ. Above all, there is the glory of the Choir,
the dark oak, exquisitely carved, above which hang
the banner', mantles, sword., and helmets of the
Garter Knights. among them the banner of one who
but the day before yesterday came a second time
as an exile to England. There is time to reflect on the
Instability of fortune, and on much beanies, esthete banners,
s ,me new, some discoloured, are scrutinized, and it is seen
that there is one vacant stall, arid one banner wanting. The
organ gives a few premonitory warnings in what, on its
Choir side, Is almost empty space. But this space now
begins to ILL First one of the officiating clergy introduces
two ladies, who advance into solitude with some timidity.
But when a beginning is once made there is rapid progress.
the assistants of the Lord Chamberlain, in uniforms
of blue and gold, show the visitors to their allotted
place.. Lord Halifax le "mopes; the first arrivals;
the Lord Chancellor, in his splendid robes of black
and gold, soon follows bloc; aid then the Duke arid Duchess
of Richmond are ushered in. Military band., with the bag-
pipes of the last Highlanders, are heard dletinctly enough
outside, and seemed to welcome Ste diatinguished personages
who now arrive In rapid succession. Of the Diplomatic
Body, the Turkish Ambassador, with hts three daughters, Is
the first So take his place. Then the Austro.llungarian Am.
bassador, Is a uniform which you would say could not well
be matched for rich embroidery till you saw that of Baron
Brunnow, which is Will more profusely covered with
roll lace. Lord (iranville, with Lady Granville, mi-
tered, appropriately enough, along with several members of
the Diplomatic Body, au I occupied his stall aa a Knight of
the Garter. So did the Marquis of Westminster, who, as
the youngest Knight of the Garter present, occupied the seat
furthest removed from the stall el the sovereign, which Is In
Lice cross seats under the organ. Next her husband .at the
Marchioness of Westminster, who wore a brilliant Wars of
diamonds. The Duke and Duchees of Argyll, with the
Dowager Duchess were shown to seats A roe then.
ea ace /taut pas, tir front of the altar rails. She Duke wore
the kilt, with the riviand nod order of the Thistle. Another
Mired Highlander present in the Choir was Mr. Campbell,
• f Islay.
;We are precluded from Inserting the list of the other tits-
thlgulsed persons who were vrese it, for want of space)
Of those present in the Choir, the ladies were In full dress,
while gentlemen wore either Court, military, or official uni-
forms. Under such conditions, a brilliant spectacle was pro-
duced. Diamonds gashed, gold lace glittered, the brightest
colours of the toilette were seeli, sometimes lu harmony,
sometimes in trying proximity, yet in the aggregate not con-
Metier, and lighting up the floor of the Choir in rivalry with
the varied lustre of the great window, mod In rich contrast
with the man of dark oak carving overhead. Presently the
entrance of the Bishop of Izoldon, the Bishop of Win-
chester, the Bishop oil Word, the Dean of Windsor, and the
rest of the officiating clergy added another feature to the
picture, which theuceforward was softened by lawn and
surplice and hood. • The altar-table, too, as on the occasion
of the Prince's marriage, was richly decorated with massive
golden sacramental plate, golden candlesticks, superb alms-
dishes, costly flagons, and several quaint and highly.
wrought chalices aid patens—the greater part contributed
at various time, by the Knights of the Garter for the time
being. When the Bishops and clergy had taken their places
on either side of the altar, the arrival of the bridal party
frem the Castle was Impatiently awaited.

Shortly before half-past twelve, the first procession was
marshalled in the Nave by Garter Ring of Arms (Sir Albert
Weeds , whose gold-eucrusted coat, bearing the proper
bit-entry, heralds and aret wologista may delight IR Under
his superintendeuce, assisted by Senierse Herald, (Mr. J.
R. Planchf, and Chester Herald, 11 their obi-time robes,
no time was lost in arranging the cortege. As it entered the
Choir the ergs's, which had previously played a festal
march composed by the organist (Dr Elvey e now, with
louder, bolder strain., burst forth into a march by
Handel from Joseph). Ali rose as the procession entered,
and watched its progress with eagerness. After the
Officers of State came the Count von Seckendorif, represent-
ing the household of their Imperial Highnesses the Imperial
Prlnce and Prhicem of Germany. Then came an E smern
Prince, English by residence and choice, his Mgt:mess
Maharaj eh isideep Singh, who was present eight years ago
at the Priuce's wedding. rlylliglinees the Maharanee wore
a reddish veil of ermisffirlsibric, which c,vered the head,
without, however, concealing the lace, and fell over the
shoulders and body, disclosing a skirt which shone as
though of veritable cloth of gold. Ms Highness wore
11 jewelled turban of lustrous white, with a coat of dull
blue The Maharajah also wore the Blue Riband and order of
the Star of Innis, and his appearanes with the Maher/wee in
the procession, her dress a compromise between Eastern and
Weetern fashions, created some sensation. The Prince of
Seas Warnne followed. with the Prince and Princess of Peck,
her Royal Highness in a dress of dark Mae satin, and the
Prince wearing the light blue uniform of a cavalry °Ulcer in
the Austrian service. The Duke of Cambridge, In Field-
Marshal's uniform, leading her Royal Highness the Duchess
of Cambridge came next, and close behind were the Count
of Flanders, Prince Arthur, in the dark uniform of the R le
Brigade, and Prince Leopold, who, In compliment to the bride-
groom, wore the kilt. Princess Beatrice came next, in high
spirits, wearing a pink satin dress, her light hair hanging
freely Is. hind. Then same Prince Christian, In the Scarlet
uniferm of a Major-General in the English service, with
the Princess in pink satin Then ihe two little children of
the Prince sod Princess of Walei—Priuce George of Wales
and Prince Albert Victor, in Highland kilt, scarf, and
sporran ; cheery, bright boys, who may well gladden a
mother's heart, seethe; march along, more or less solemnly,
In front of her. The Princess of Wales, bowing to all, and
greeted with an almost sifectionate greeting by all, was the
last of the Royal party. A cloud of Ladies and Gentle-
men in Waiting closed Ms grand procession, which mired
Itself, or was arranged, in proper position before the Altar.
For awhile the organ °eases, and presently the Bridegroom,
preceded by the V ice-Ctianteeriaiu and supported by his
"best men," walks up the Choir and takes up his position on
the right of the Altar. Tee Marquis of Lorne did not wear
the kilt, but the uniform of the Argylesffire regiment of
Volunteer Artillery, of which he is colonel. Lord Percy and
Lord Ronald Levoson Gower wore a corresponding uniform.
It was a trying position for the Bridegroom, bet it is not
necessary to say that he bore it well. Standing in front of
the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, a little in advance of his
supports re, his fair hair and clearly-cut features, which
photography has made so familiar, wore in full view from all
parts of the choir.
Another interval of suspense, and then, looking into the
Nave, the bridesmaids aro teen leaving the little chapel
where they hail been in waiting. They go out through the
western gateway to meet the Bride; and cheers and music ,
from without tell those Inside the Chapel that the moment is
, approaching of all others the most impatiently expected. A
crimson curtain concealing the door-way firsoon drawn aside;
the prooeseion appears, headed by the Heralds, the Lord
Chamberlain, and the Vice-Chamberlain and the erg u peals
forth Mendelssolms familiar, but Incomparable Wedding
March from Ath alit. Slowly the procession advances up the
Nave, and enters the Choir. The Bride is supported on the
rieht by the Queen and on the other side by the Prince of
Wales and the Duke of Saxe-Usburg and Goths. Once more
all rite and make low obeisances as the bridal cortege sweeps ,
by. Ihe Princess looked naturally somewhat pate and .
agitated, and her eyes were boot on the ground. But, in
her array of white satin and veil of lioniton lace she looked
a charming Bride, and excited the warmest Interest and ad-
miration as she paseed by. The Queen wore. black satin
dress, relieved by the broad blue riband ot the Garter, and
by a fall of white lace, which resehed nearly to the ground,
and materially tempered, though it did not conceal, the dark
material beneath. The Duke of Saxe-Coburg wore the white
uni.orm of an Austrian officer the Prince of Wales that of
the 10th [lmams of which bets Colonel.
Arrived at the Altar, the Bride's procession became Incor
porated with those which had preceded It, and the position
of the distiumatshed personages occupying the seats of State
upon the h., et p, before the Altar became more denned.
These seats were arranged In semi-circular form, and were
occupied in this wise :—Ou the left, looking towards the
Altar, and beneath the Royal Closet, the two little Prince.,
"owe, Views- and George of Wales ; the Princess of Wales,
the Counsel Flanders, Princess Christian, Princess Beatrice,
the Duchaie of Cambridge. Prince Arthur, Prince Leopold,
the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Christian, and the Prince
and Prince., of Teck. Then there was s ewe filled by
the eight brideemalde, who stood in pairs supporting the
train of the Princess—Lady Ellzsbeth Campbell, Lady
Florence Gordon Lenuol, Lady Mary Cecil, Lady Grace
Gordon, Lady Mary Butler, Lady Constance fissymenr,
Florence Montagu, and Lady Alice Fitzgerald. Attar this
bee .k the semicircle was continued on the right of the haw
;dm the seats there tednr occdpierl by the friends and rela-
tives if the bridegroom—the Inike and Duchess of Argyll, the
Dowager.buchese of Argyll, Lord A. Campbell, Lady A. Camp-
bell, Lord C thropbell, COWING& Percy, the Mohersjoh