Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1894-04-25
KINGS AND QUEENS AS GUESTS
Marriage of the Grand Duke of
Hcsse and Princess Victoria
of COburE.

of COburG.
CoBURa, April 19.-The marriage of
Princess Victoria of Coburg and the
Grand Duke of Hesse was celebrated
to-day with all the pomp of a royal
union.
The weather is splendid and the city
is packed with royal and imperial
guests, foreign visitors and German
sightseers. Every building is decorated
i'll some manner, even the most modest
cottages having at least some slight dis
play of bunting to the breeze, while
inent buildings are buried beneath dec
orations Of all descriptions and colors.
At first the sky was overcast, but
early in the day the sky had
cleared to beautiful blue and
the sun beamed gloriously upon this
temporary headquarters of representa-
tives of nearly all the imperial and
royal families of Europe. The First
Dragon regiment band filled the air,
at short intervals, with delightful music,
playing in front of the Edinburgh Pal
ace. The Schloss Platz and the ter
races overlooking the park were SO
thronged at 10 o'clock this morning that
the police were compelled to drive per-
sons away in order to prevent danger
Gus brushes.
The marriage took place shortly after
noon in the private chapel Of the ducal
schloss in the Lutheran style. Follow
ing German precedent there was no
bridesmaids, but the bride was sup
ported by her younger sisters. The
private chapel of the schloss was
thoroughly re-decorated for the occa-
sion, and as the wedding took place on
Primrose Day, Primroses entered large
ly into the interior decorations, these
flowers having been sent from England
for the occasion. Queen Victoria was
accompanied to the chapel by the Duke
Edinburgh, father of the bride) and
was escorted to an arm chair in the
front row of the distinguished guests
and next to Emperor William of Ger
many, by whose side was the Duchess
of -Coburg- Gotha, the Grand
Duchess Marie of Russia, sister of the
Gar
There was some delay in the proceed
ings and consequently it was 1890 P.
NJ. before the ceremony commenced
but it was a most brilliant and i'm
pressive function. In the wedding pro-
cession, Emperor William escorted the
Duchess of Coburg and ex-Empress
Frederick followed alone. The Prince
of Wales and the Czarewitch came
next, walking together. The bride
groom entered with his supporters, his
uncle, Prince Henry of Hesse, and his
brotherin-law, Prince Henry Of Prussia.
The bride came in last supported by
her father and brother and accom-
panied by her sisters. The Prince
of Wales sat beside eX-Empress
Frederick of Germany, eldest daugh-
ter of Queen Victoria. Then
came the Czarcwitch. These dis
tinguished guests occupied front
seats on the other side of the aisle, cor
toria, Emperor William and the Duchess
of Coburg. Other important person
ages filled three rows behind each of
the royal and imperial notabilities al
ready mentioned. but the suites, court
officials and ministers in attendance re-
manned standing throughout the cere-
mOny.
Among the other distinguished per-
sonages present were the Duke and
Duchess of Connaught, Prince and
Princess Henry of Prussia, the Grand
Duke and Grand Duchess Vladimir of
Russia, Grand Duke Sergius Of Russia
and his wife, formerly the Princess
Elizabeth of Hesse-Darmstadt; the
Princess Alix of Hesse, the Crown
Prince and Princess of Roumania, the
hereditary Prince and Princess of Sake
Meiningen, Prince and Princess Philip
Of Coburg, Prince George Of Greece,
Prince Aribert of Anhalt and
tenburg. The sun shining through
10 oh hic
distinguished assemblage, ladies IN court
toilets, sparkling with jewels, their
bright dresses contrasting beautifully
with the gorgeous uniforms Of the male
portion Of the guests; elaborate floral
decorations, the grandeur Of the old
chapel and the natural solemnity
of the surroundings, formed
magnificent tout ensemble which has
not often been equaled in recent
years in any country in the world.
Queen Victoria wore the broad blue
ribbon of the Order Of the Garter, and
upon her head sparkled a magnificent
crown Of diamonds. Her Majesty re-
manned seated throughout, her age and
infirmities preventing her from stand
ing. The general superintendent Of the
Lutheran Church, Pastor Mueller, Off
ciated, and was assisted by the court
chaplain Of the Grand Duchy of Hesse
and five local clergymen.
After the address had been delivered
the bride and bridegroom plighted
their troths and the wedding rings were
exchanged. Then came the benediction,
after which Mendelssohn's wedding
March, was grandly played and the
ceremony was at an end. The newly
married couple afterwards kissed their
relatives in turn, and the procession was
reformed and left the chapel at 1 O. clock
amid the booming of cannon and cheers
of the multitude.
JOHN M EGAN RESIGNS