In a Princess; out a Lady

February 27, 1919

HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught was married today to Commander the Hon. Alexander Ramsay at Westminster Abbey, The wedding took place at noon, and was the first royal wedding in Britain since the end of the war. "No other social event since the outbreak of the war has created such public interest," wrote the New York Times' reporter.
Crowds were out early, lining the streets from St. James's Palace to the Abbey. The throngs "waited patiently for a glimpse" of the popular princess.
The Archbishop of Canterbury performed the wedding ceremony, and was assisted by the Dean of Westminster. Princess Patricia entered the abbey by west door, "which is used only on occasions of importance." She wore a gown of "white brocaded panne over silver lace, the outer gown being caught up with the silver lovers' knots." Her bouquet was a gift from the Princess Patricia Canadian regiment, and was tied with the regimental colors.
The bridal procession began with a choir singing "Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven." The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, the Duke of Connaught. They were followed by the Earl of Macduff (the bride's nephew), and the Hon Simon Ramsay, as pages, bearing the bride's train. The bride's attendants were the Lady Jean Ramsay, Princess Ingrid of Sweden, Lady May Cambridge, Princess Maud, Princess Mary and the Ladies Helena and Victoria Cambridge.
Princess Patricia was given away by her father. During the service several hymns were sung: the Sixty-Seventh Psalm,"O, Perfect Love" and "Who is Like unto Thee O Lord."
At the princess' request, the Abbey was not decorated. She asked "that no attempt be made to supplement with flowers the classic beauty of the ancient edifice."
King George V and Queen Mary were in attendance, along with the Prince of Wales "who made a special visit from the Continent" to attend the wedding. Other royal guests included the Queen Mother Alexandra and the exiled King Manoel II of Portugal and his wife, Augusta Victoria.
All told, more than 3000 guests were in the Abbey for the wedding. The newly married couple were driven back to the Duke of Connaught's residence in an open Semi-State landau, which was drawn by four horses and escorted by scarlet-coated outriders.
The princess entered the Abbey as HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught. At her own request, she chose renounce her royal rank and style when she married; thus, when she left the Abbey, the princess was styled as The Lady Patricia Ramsay.
Court mourning for the death of Prince John, the youngest son of King George and Queen Mary, was lifted for the wedding.