The Washington herald., 1907-06-09
BAPTIZB ROYAL BABE
Ceremony at Madrid Presents
Scene of SplendOr.
QUEEN CHRISTINA GODM0THER
Brilliant AsscmbIage of Foreign
Princes, Diplomats, and GrandaeS
of Spain-Services Performed with
Regal POmp and Magnficence.
Not All Able TO Enter Chapel.
roz7aadeH,s Of Tie Washirstoa HelId.

Correspondence Of The Wsshiustau Herald
Madrid, May 19.-The baptism Of the in
FAINT prince Of the Asturils was performed
with regal pomp and magnidcence in the
royal chapel at noon yesterday
Queen Christina was godmother. and
Cardinal Rinaldi1i the papaI nuncio. rep
resented the Pope as godfather. Cardinal
Saucha, the archbishop of Toledo and
primate of Spain. oflciated assisted by
more than forty other bishops and arch
bishops in full canonicals. and surrounded
by O. brilliant assemblage Of foreign
princes, grandees, and civil and military
officials
Long before noon yesterday the plaza
and approaches 70 the palace were filed
with spectators. who cheerod the prelates
and other distinguished guests as they
drove TO the palace in state carriages.
The chapel itself, which consists only of
small nave, was too small % accommo-
date all the members Of the court who
were entitled TO witness the ceremony. but
many who were unable % see the actual
baptism had an opportunity Of viewing
the imposing procession from the gallery
which leads from the state apartments TO
the chapel
This gallery was adorned with thirty
two splendid Gobelin tapestries. and the
floor was covered with Turkish carpets
Halberdiers, in gala dress. were ranged on
either side
In the chapel itself galleries had been
erected on either side Of the nave for the
members Of the diplomatic corps and high
dignitaries Of the court and state.
The altar was decorated with a festal
frontal Of white and covered with white
roses and clusters Of carnations.
Grand Procession starts.
Precisely at noon a salvo Of artillery an
rounced that the procession had left the
state apartments. where It had been mar
shaled by the chamberlain. The doors Of
the chapel were thrown wide open. and
moment later the chamberlain could be
seen advancing slowly down the gallery at
the head Of the Elittering procession.
Four mace-bearers followed the cham
berlain, and after them came the gran
dees, covered, and walking two and two.
Then came seven grandees carrying. on
massive silver sarvers, certain symboHcaI |
articles used at the christening. The
grandees were the dukes OF Tovar. Monte |
mar, Beiar, and San Pedro and the |
Counts VeIe. VaIdelagrana and Sama. !
They carried:
The sslt-cellar and the robe. the hood. |
the wax taper. the basin. the ever the
marchpane. and the cotton wool and the /
veil.
The infant prince was carried by his /
nurse. and Queen Christina and Cardinal
Rinaldni. as godmother and deputy god
father. followed. King Alfonso walked
alone. He wore gala uniform Of a cap
tain general, with the Orders Of the Col.
den Fleece and Charles III
Diplomatic Corps Next.
The Ambassadors Extraordinary came
next They included the Archduke Ell
gene. representing the Emperor Of Aus
tria, the Duke OF Oporto. representing the
King Of Portugal; Prince Arthur Of Con
naughL representing King Edward. and
Prince Leopold, representing the Kaiser.
Behind them came the Spanish infantas
Princess Eulalie and Princess Isabella.
The former wore a white dress with a red
train and magnificent diamonds while
the Princess Isabella was in heliotrope.
Princess Henry Of Battenberg followed.
and then Prince Remier and Prince
Philippe Of Bourbon. palace officials and
gentlemen-at-arms.
The font, which was brought especially
from the Church San Domingo de Gllz-
man for the christening. stood on a
wooden platform under a golden canopy.
Cardinal SanCha. who wore a GOLDEN
broidered cope covered with diamonds s
that are almost priceless. stood before the
altar as the procession entered the chanel {
with the bishops and archbishops grouped
on either side
The christening itself only lasted ten {
minutes. The baby prince. who was 7
nearly smothered in lace and embroid- |
cries. kept very quiet and when Cardinal ,
Sancha poured the baptsmal water from |
the River Jordan on his head. murmured 7
slightly. but did not cry. D
Immediately after the christening the
baby was taken into the presbvterv.
where the formal investiture of various
orders Of chivalry, including the Golden n
Fleece, took place. Cardinal SanCha then | o
sang TIE Deum, and the prince was car a
red back TO Queen Victoria Eugenie's s j.
apartments. Ir