The Washington herald., 1912-02-14
SOME LONDON WEDDINGS.

The first month Of the new year estab-
lished a record in weddings, for the list
was truly phenomenal. with announce
ments OF new engagements still pouring
In. But what in reality enllvened the sea-
son was the betrothaI Of the most eligi-
Bile catch OF uppertendom, Lord How
ard de Walden, the wealthiest bachelor
and the third richest land owner in Great
Britain. Moreover, Miss Margherita van
Raalte, his bride-eIect, is very beautiful
and only In her first season as a social
debutante. She is the daughter OF the
late Mr.. Van Rsalte, Of Brownsea Island.
Dorsetshire. and Mrs. Van Raalte. who
Is well known as a successful hostess in
Grosvenor square. but more especially
at Brownsea, where Lord Howard de
Walden has been a frequent guest for
years and has known his fair iancee
since her nursery days.
The picturesque surroundings Of Brown
sea made a fitting setting for the romance
OF the engagement, which was announced
by Lord Howard de Walden himself to
Mrs. Van Raaite's guests, after which he
left for welbeck. having promised his
kinsmen, the Duke of Portland. to join
him for the shooting at WeIbeck Abbey.
The date Of the wedding has not been
settled upon positively, but the early
days OF March are spoken OF as the most
probable time for celebrating the nup-
tials. BY then Parliament will be opened
by the King and Queen, the court will
be resident in London. state ceremonies
and Official functions will be in progress
for the visit of the Queen of Holland,
and Lord Howard de Walden's bride Will
enjoy the season. which then will be at
its height
Jewels worth Kings ransom will be
hers. for the late Lady Ludlow. formerly
Lady Howard de Walden. owned mar
velous emeralds and diamonds. and pos
sessed more crowns and tiaras than Queen
Alexandra or the Czarina, which Is say
ing a great deal All these family gems
await the young bride at Seaford House.
the town residence, which Is as fine as
any royal palace. Its green onyx stair
case is a regal approach to marble halls,
galleries OF art and salons crammed with
priceless furniture Homes like Audley
End and Dean Castle are among the
country palaces owned by this fortunate
young nobleman. whose income from his
Marylebone property alone Is more than
81 900 900 a year. Only recently he bought
the Isle OF Shoma, in the west of Scot
land. to be able better to exploit his love
OF motor boating. Chirk Castle Is an
other recent acquisition.
When the Queen returns from India
she will have to seek a new maid Of
honor to replace Miss Sibyl Brodrick.
who two weeks ago was married to
Mr.. Ronald Graham. Lady Victoria
carrington is mentioned as Miss Brod-
riclx's possible successor. because Miss
venetia Barring Is to have q rest after
her trying duties in India All the
demoiselles d'honeur, however. are ex-
pected to appar at the opening Of Parlia-
ment, and at the subsequent court func-
tions this month and in March.
The position now entails more frequent
attendance at court and a much gayer
time than In the days OF Queen Victoria.
In her reign. each maid Of honor, upon
her marriage. was presented with an
Indian shawl and check for n.ooo, a
custom which lapsed with the accession
to the throne OF King Edward. still.
the maids Of honor receive rich presents
from the King and Queen. Usually there
Is a joint wedding gift, but In the case
Of Miss Brodrick there are separate pres
ents. From her royal mistress the bride
received a handsome brooch adorned with
the letter M IN diamonds, while King
Georges present was a ruby and diamond
pendant. forming the royal cipher.
The Archbishop OF Canterbury himself
solemniyed the nuptials at 81. Msrgarefs.
Westminster. The bridegroom. Mr.. Ro-
land Graham, Is adviser to the home sec
retary for Egypt. The bridesmaids were
some OF the prettiest girls in society:
Lady Vera Cavendlsh- Bentwick daughter
Of the Duke and Duchess OF Portlandl.
who walked with Lady Evelyn Grey: the
Misses Aileen and Moyra Brodrick (the
brides two sIstersl; Miss Dalsy Brodrick.