Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-05-31
TOday's Telegraphic News
Marriage OF King Alfonso and
Princess Ena.


niece OF King Edward, of EDgland, were
married at noon today in the little
church of San Geronimo in the presence
of distinguished company of about one
thousand persons, including special am
bassadors from the chief countries of the
world. The ceremony WIS performed
by Cardinal Sancha, Catholic primate of
Spain, assisted by a number Of high
prelstes, and was fully choral.
More iuteres: was taken in tOday's
ceremony than in any other event that
has happened in Spain in many years.
The city was more crowded than at the
time of King Alionso's coronation four
years ago, and the enthusiasm of the
people was much greater. Several
thousand English people came to Madrid
for the wedding, and many American
tourists deviated from the ordinary
beaten track of continental travel to be
present at the festivities. Soaniards say
they have never before seen so many
Americans in Madrid.
Every district in Spain sent delcgs-
tons to the capital, and the police esti-
mate there are over $1,000 visitors in
the city.
Madrid was profusely decorated and
all traffic was stopped, and only those
with special permits were allowed in the
roadway.
At the appointed hour Princess Ena
left the palace and entered magnificent
mother of pearl state carria e followed
by Princess Henry OF Battenberg aud by
the Queen mother of Spain, who took
the Other seats in the vehicle. Drawn
by six horses and escorted by a caval-
cade OF troopers, aud high court officials
aud followed by other carriages contain
ing the ladies OF Ena's suit, the process
sion started for the Church of San Ge-
ronimo. At the same time King Alfonso
drove out of the royal palace, also es-
corled by high officials and grandees.
The two professions met short dis
lance outside the palace and continued
together to The church which is situated
about two miles from the royal palace
on the other eide OF the city.
The church was magnificent deco
rated. The beautifully sculptnred porch
was hung With rich gobelin tapestries
from the Spanish royal collection. The
front of the edifice was decorated with
Sp ,nish and British flags and with
wreaths entwined with the two national
cOIors.
The interior was adorned with red vel
vet and dammask hangings embroidered
with gold crowns Red banners, show
ing the Spanish arms, hung from the
pillars, Magnificent crystal chandeliers
threw brilliant light on the scene. The
altar was mass of flowers, red roses and
carnations predominating.
To the right of the altar a royal dais,
covered with red velvet embroidered
with gold was erected. On it were two
large gilded arm chairs for the use of
Alfonso aud Ena. The people in the
church were for the most part Spanish,
bat there was noticeable number OF
Enelishmen and number of Americans
were also present. The women wore
beautiful decoiette gowns, without hats.
White and black were the predominant
colors. The women wore all their jewels
and bad splendid tiaras on their heads.
The Jewels Of the wives OF the Spanish
grsndees were particularly beautiful and
rivalled those of members of the royal
families. The men wore court costumes,
and carried small swords.
The royal cortege on arriving at the
church was received at the entrance by
Cardinal Sancha, aud other members of
The officiating clergy, and members OF
the special embassies. Two tribunes,
decorated with red tapestry, were erect
ed on each side of the entrance. One of
these the clergy used and the special
ambassadors sat on the other. The we'd
ding procession was finally formed and
led by the prelates it entered the audi
torium and marched slowly up the main
aisle to the alter. Alfonso wore the
uniform of a Csptain-General in the
Spanish army, aud carried his sword by
his side. He was attended by his broth
er-in-law, the Prince of Asturias.
Princess Ena obviously felt the ordeal
through which she was passing, for she
was pale and seemed to realize the re-
spOnsibilty she was assuming on becOm-
ing Queen of people entirely new TO
her. She wore a white duchess satin
gown made in princess style. The
bodice was trimmed With white d'Alen-
con lace aud WAS embroidered with in-
tertwined wreaths of silver roses and |
orange blossoms, bordered with aeurs-
de-lis. From the shoulders of the sleeve |
fell embroidered lines of silver orange |
blossoms uniting at the elbow. She had
on a mantle of white satin ornamente1 !
in the same way as the dress. The gown |
was made with a long court train of
satin, the edges being embroidered with
silver heurs-de-lis
The Queen mother Of Spain acted as
the brides matrOn of honor and mum.
Der of young girls, the daughters Of
Spanish grandees, were maids of honor.
When the royal couple reached the
altar, they stood side by side for few
while the clergy took their
places and the other people in the pro-
cession were shown their seats.
Then the services began. Cardinal
5anchs stood directly in front of the
bride and groom, aanked by MOnsignOr
the Papal Muncio of Spain, and
Monsigner Locatelli, the dometi prelate,
who personally represented the Pope. A
number Of bishops were grouped in the
The SERVICE Was shnri. |