It will be the wedding of the year in Oettingen when Princess Theresa of Oettingen-Oettingen und Oettingen-Spielberg marries Carl Christian Oetker, who is a member of the very wealthy Oetker baking products dynasty.
The bride is the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Oettingen-Oettingen und Oettingen-Spielberg, who were among the guests the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Duke and his younger brother, Prince Harry, have attended hunting parties at the Oettingen's home
The religious wedding will take place at St. Jakob church, which will be followed by a reception in Schloss Oettingen's main hall and courtyard.
The 30-year-old bride is the second of four children. She has one older brother, Hereditary Prince Franz Albrecht and two younger sisters, Princess Antonia and Princess Nora. She is the first of her siblings to wed.
http://www.br.de/nachrichten/schwaben/oettingen-fuerst-hochzeit-100.html
Friday, July 11, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Grand Duke Alexander speaks of escape
July 9, 1918
Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich of Russia, brother-in-law of the former Tsar Nicolas Nicholas II, was interviewed at the end of June at Ai-Todor in the Crimea, according to a New York Times report from Amsterdam.
The interview was conducted by a reporter from a Budapest newspaper. The Grand Duke spoke of his life after the abdication of Nicholas II.
"We were for days at Dulbar (near Ai-Todor) at the house of Peter Nicolaievitch, all together. We owe our lives solely to that good and intelligent man. My six sons and myself were on the blacklist. We scarcely hoped to escape with our lives. They took our money and property. Our house in Petrograd was razed.
"Fortunately, I have a property with a vineyard in Ai-Todor, on the produce of which my family and myself can live."
The Budapest reporter noted that by next year, Russia could again have a "monarchical constitution."
Grand Duke Alexander responded with skepticism, wondering if it "would be possible." The reporter did not think that Nicholas II would be restored. Grand Duke Alexander, who is married to Nicholas' sister, Grand Duchess Xenia, responded: "Certainly not. He is vividly of the old system."
The correspondent also mentioned a conversation he had with Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievitch's Lord High Steward, General Balbaroff. The General provided details of the Grand Duke's escape after being sentenced to death by the Bolsheviks, who said they :would not be content with the simple execution of the Emperor's relations." They wanted to drive them "to death in a specially cruel manner."
Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich of Russia, brother-in-law of the former Tsar Nicolas Nicholas II, was interviewed at the end of June at Ai-Todor in the Crimea, according to a New York Times report from Amsterdam.
The interview was conducted by a reporter from a Budapest newspaper. The Grand Duke spoke of his life after the abdication of Nicholas II.
"We were for days at Dulbar (near Ai-Todor) at the house of Peter Nicolaievitch, all together. We owe our lives solely to that good and intelligent man. My six sons and myself were on the blacklist. We scarcely hoped to escape with our lives. They took our money and property. Our house in Petrograd was razed.
"Fortunately, I have a property with a vineyard in Ai-Todor, on the produce of which my family and myself can live."
The Budapest reporter noted that by next year, Russia could again have a "monarchical constitution."
Grand Duke Alexander responded with skepticism, wondering if it "would be possible." The reporter did not think that Nicholas II would be restored. Grand Duke Alexander, who is married to Nicholas' sister, Grand Duchess Xenia, responded: "Certainly not. He is vividly of the old system."
The correspondent also mentioned a conversation he had with Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievitch's Lord High Steward, General Balbaroff. The General provided details of the Grand Duke's escape after being sentenced to death by the Bolsheviks, who said they :would not be content with the simple execution of the Emperor's relations." They wanted to drive them "to death in a specially cruel manner."
Nicholas prepares to return home for birth for child
July 9, 1904
Russian Emperor Nicholas II departed tonight for the Volga region "to bid farewell to the Reservists, many of whom are the fathers of families," reports the New York Times. As an "imperial heir" is due any day now, Nicholas' visit is seen as a mark of "deep personal sympathy with the soldiers."
The "approaching birth" has such "deep interest and importance" to the Imperial family. The Queen of the Hellenes and members of the Imperial family have "assembled to welcome the expected heir."
There are also large crowds gathered outside the Peterhof, where Empress Alexandra prepares to give birth to her fifth child. It seems the nation is "drawing nearer to the sovereign."
Russian Emperor Nicholas II departed tonight for the Volga region "to bid farewell to the Reservists, many of whom are the fathers of families," reports the New York Times. As an "imperial heir" is due any day now, Nicholas' visit is seen as a mark of "deep personal sympathy with the soldiers."
The "approaching birth" has such "deep interest and importance" to the Imperial family. The Queen of the Hellenes and members of the Imperial family have "assembled to welcome the expected heir."
There are also large crowds gathered outside the Peterhof, where Empress Alexandra prepares to give birth to her fifth child. It seems the nation is "drawing nearer to the sovereign."
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Maria Cristina de Baviera y Mesia dead at 79
Maria Cristina de Baviera y Mesia, Countess of Odiel, died yesterday at her home in El Viso, Madrid. She was. She was 79 years old.
Crista was a second cousin of King Juan Carlos. She was the eldest of four children of Prince José Eugenio of Bavaria, Infant of Spain, and Maria de la Asunción Solange Mesia y de Lesseps.
Prince José Eugenio was the second son of Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain and Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria in 1906. Maria Teresa was the second child of King Alfonso XII of Spain.
Ferdinand was created an Infant of Spain. He renounced his rights to the Bavarian throne in 1914. Prince José Eugenio was a Spanish dynast until 1933 when he married Marisol Mesia y Lesseps, who was the Countess of Odiel.
Doña Maria Cristina Paz Teresa Alfonsa Eugenia Rita y Todos los Santos de Baviera y Mesia was born at Paris on February 6, 1935. She married at Madrid on July 12, 1967 to Don Juan Manuel de Urquijo y de Morales (1937-2002). The couple had no children.
Crista is survived by her sister, Doña Maria Teresa (Tessa) and several nieces and nephews. Tessa was traveling in Turkey when she received word of her sister's death.
The funeral was held today at Madrid's Alumudena Cathedral. Infanta Elena, Infanta Pilar and her daughter, Simoneta, and Infanta Margarita, were among the mourners, along with Crista's sister, Tessa.
http://www.elmundo.es/loc/2014/07/07/53bae064268e3e4d288b459b.html
Crista was a second cousin of King Juan Carlos. She was the eldest of four children of Prince José Eugenio of Bavaria, Infant of Spain, and Maria de la Asunción Solange Mesia y de Lesseps.
Prince José Eugenio was the second son of Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain and Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria in 1906. Maria Teresa was the second child of King Alfonso XII of Spain.
Ferdinand was created an Infant of Spain. He renounced his rights to the Bavarian throne in 1914. Prince José Eugenio was a Spanish dynast until 1933 when he married Marisol Mesia y Lesseps, who was the Countess of Odiel.
Doña Maria Cristina Paz Teresa Alfonsa Eugenia Rita y Todos los Santos de Baviera y Mesia was born at Paris on February 6, 1935. She married at Madrid on July 12, 1967 to Don Juan Manuel de Urquijo y de Morales (1937-2002). The couple had no children.
Crista is survived by her sister, Doña Maria Teresa (Tessa) and several nieces and nephews. Tessa was traveling in Turkey when she received word of her sister's death.
The funeral was held today at Madrid's Alumudena Cathedral. Infanta Elena, Infanta Pilar and her daughter, Simoneta, and Infanta Margarita, were among the mourners, along with Crista's sister, Tessa.
http://www.elmundo.es/loc/2014/07/07/53bae064268e3e4d288b459b.html
Monday, July 7, 2014
Duke of Abruzzi to marry in October
July 7, 1908
It appears that recent American dispatches concerning the Abruzzi-Elkins marriage are on the mark, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune. It appears that the Duke of the Abruzzi will leave the battleship Regina Elena on September 30 to prepare for his marriage to American Katherine Elkins.
This information is considered a "definitive statement" and is seen as authoritative.
The marriage will take place at Turin in early October, and after the wedding, the newlyweds will travel to Racconigi, where they will be the guests of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena. Afterward, the Duke and Duchess will travel to Vienna.
The Duke will receive six months' leave for his honeymoon. It is understood that most of the honeymoon will be spent in the United States. The Duke, a cousin of the King, will be made a rear admiral shortly before his leave begins.
Alterations and "important improvements" are being made at the duke's palace in Turin.
Further news about the Duke of Abruzzi's marriage is expected to be announced shortly.
It appears that recent American dispatches concerning the Abruzzi-Elkins marriage are on the mark, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune. It appears that the Duke of the Abruzzi will leave the battleship Regina Elena on September 30 to prepare for his marriage to American Katherine Elkins.
This information is considered a "definitive statement" and is seen as authoritative.
The marriage will take place at Turin in early October, and after the wedding, the newlyweds will travel to Racconigi, where they will be the guests of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena. Afterward, the Duke and Duchess will travel to Vienna.
The Duke will receive six months' leave for his honeymoon. It is understood that most of the honeymoon will be spent in the United States. The Duke, a cousin of the King, will be made a rear admiral shortly before his leave begins.
Alterations and "important improvements" are being made at the duke's palace in Turin.
Further news about the Duke of Abruzzi's marriage is expected to be announced shortly.
So Big: guess what is 6 years old today
Yes, it is this blog, Royal Musings. Born this day on July 7, 2008!
And with more than 4 million visits since the first post !
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/royal-musings.html
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/get-in-line-for-british-throne_5944.html
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/noble-wedding.html
Thank you everyone!
And with more than 4 million visits since the first post !
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/royal-musings.html
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/get-in-line-for-british-throne_5944.html
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2008/07/noble-wedding.html
Thank you everyone!
Grand Ducal Baptism
Princess Amalia of Nassau, the first child of Prince Felix and Princess Claire of Luxembourg will be baptized on July 12 at the chapel at St. Ferréol-de-Lorgues in France.
Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa was born on June 15 at the Maternité Grand Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg.
The godparents are Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and Princess Claire's brother, Felix Lademacher.
http://www.wort.lu/de/lokales/kindstaufe-am-grossherzoglichen-hof-53baaf47b9b39887080438ce
Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa was born on June 15 at the Maternité Grand Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg.
The godparents are Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and Princess Claire's brother, Felix Lademacher.
http://www.wort.lu/de/lokales/kindstaufe-am-grossherzoglichen-hof-53baaf47b9b39887080438ce
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Funeral for Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie.
July 3, 1914
The funeral for the slain Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg took place this afternoon in the Hofburg's chapel, reports the New York Times.
Emperor Franz Josef and the new heir to the throne, Archduke Karl led the mourners, which included "many Archdukes and Archduchesses, Cabinet Ministers, diplomats and high military and civil officials.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg were assassinated last week in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
The "ecclesiastical procession" followed after the Emperor and other guests had taken their seats. The service was officiated by Cardinal Prince Piffl, Archbishop of Vienna. The service was "very brief," and the only music was "an anthem, which was beautifully sung by the choir, composed entirely of boys."
Later in the evening, the three children of the Archduke and the Duchess, accompanied by the Countess Chotek, were able to pay their respects. They "prayed by the side of the coffins." Their grief was said to be "heart-rendering."
Emperor Franz Josef left the Schönbrunn palace early this morning for the Hofburg, and as he "passed through the streets," he was cheered "heartily" by thousands of people
Two wreaths from the couple's children were placed in front of the coffins. The wreaths were "composed of small white roses on a background of palms, and large white roses with red and white streamers bearing the simple inscription, "Sofie, Max, Ernst."
At 10 pm tonight, the bodies were taken to the Western Station in Vienna and placed on a train for Schloss Arstetten, where the internment took place at midnight. The hearses carrying the bodies were placed on a ferry at Ampochiarn on the Danube crossing the river to Arstetten. The boat was "lighted with flaming torches and the bodies were accompanied by guards in glittering uniforms."
There were "enormous crowds" on the streets wanting to pay their last respects to the dead. The bodies were accompanied by Archduke Karl.
The funeral for the slain Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg took place this afternoon in the Hofburg's chapel, reports the New York Times.
Emperor Franz Josef and the new heir to the throne, Archduke Karl led the mourners, which included "many Archdukes and Archduchesses, Cabinet Ministers, diplomats and high military and civil officials.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg were assassinated last week in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
The "ecclesiastical procession" followed after the Emperor and other guests had taken their seats. The service was officiated by Cardinal Prince Piffl, Archbishop of Vienna. The service was "very brief," and the only music was "an anthem, which was beautifully sung by the choir, composed entirely of boys."
Later in the evening, the three children of the Archduke and the Duchess, accompanied by the Countess Chotek, were able to pay their respects. They "prayed by the side of the coffins." Their grief was said to be "heart-rendering."
Emperor Franz Josef left the Schönbrunn palace early this morning for the Hofburg, and as he "passed through the streets," he was cheered "heartily" by thousands of people
Two wreaths from the couple's children were placed in front of the coffins. The wreaths were "composed of small white roses on a background of palms, and large white roses with red and white streamers bearing the simple inscription, "Sofie, Max, Ernst."
At 10 pm tonight, the bodies were taken to the Western Station in Vienna and placed on a train for Schloss Arstetten, where the internment took place at midnight. The hearses carrying the bodies were placed on a ferry at Ampochiarn on the Danube crossing the river to Arstetten. The boat was "lighted with flaming torches and the bodies were accompanied by guards in glittering uniforms."
There were "enormous crowds" on the streets wanting to pay their last respects to the dead. The bodies were accompanied by Archduke Karl.
Summer school for Froilan.
Don Froilan de Marichalar de Borbon has to go to summer school, due to poor grades. On June 30, the son of Infanta Elena and her former husband, Don Jaime de Marichlar was brought by his mother (and 11 bodyguards) to a boarding school, Colegio Episcopal Sagrada Familia de Sigüenza, where he will study between seven and nine hours per day. He will only be able to use his phone for 30 minutes before bedtime.
Froilan arrived at the school nearly the last minute, where he will have an "austere and severe" summer, according to a press report.
Infanta Elena's only son is described as a poor student, who passed only two subjects: English and gymnastics (If my translation is correct.) Froilan's sister, Victoria, recently returned home from a year at an English boarding school.
The cost for the summer cost is 1540 Euros. Apparently, Froilan's dad, Don Jaime, also attended a summer session when he was a teenager.
King Felipe will surely have a talk with his eldest sister on why she needed a secretary and 11 security personnel to accompany her and Froilan to Siguenza.
Cristina crosses path with Felipe
According to Spanish press reports, two of Infanta Cristina's children were accompanied by Spanish royal protection officers when the children recently traveled from Geneva to Washington, D.C.
This was done without the permission of King Felipe VI. When he learned of the travel with the security personnel, he informed his sister, that her sons' overseas travel did not constitute the need for security officers.
The king made it clear to his sister that this will not happen again.
http://www.telecinco.es/elprogramadeanarosa/2014/julio/02-07-2014/Casa_Real-Felipe_VI-Cristina_de_Borbon-Casa_Real_2_1821255038.html
This was done without the permission of King Felipe VI. When he learned of the travel with the security personnel, he informed his sister, that her sons' overseas travel did not constitute the need for security officers.
The king made it clear to his sister that this will not happen again.
http://www.telecinco.es/elprogramadeanarosa/2014/julio/02-07-2014/Casa_Real-Felipe_VI-Cristina_de_Borbon-Casa_Real_2_1821255038.html
The new Spanish Royal Family
There is a new Spanish royal family -
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, the Princess of Asturias, the Infanta Sofia, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
King Felipe's sisters, Infanta Elena and Infana Cristina are no longer members of the Spanish Royal Family. Due to her and her husband's legal issues, Cristina ceased to be a working member of the royal family more than a year ago, when she and her children moved to Switzerland. Her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, was largely airbrushed of the Casa Real website.
Now, Elena and Cristina are officially out of the Royal Family. Neither have official profiles on the new website. They remain in succession to the throne, but are now in the same position as King Juan Carlos' two sisters. They are members of the King's family. (Infanta Pilar and Infanta Margarita lose their rights of succession when they married non-royals, under the old rules.)
This change means Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina will unlikely appear again at official royal events, including state dinners, nor will they be undertaking official engagements on behalf of King Felipe VI.
http://www.casareal.es/EN/Paginas/home.aspx
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, the Princess of Asturias, the Infanta Sofia, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
King Felipe's sisters, Infanta Elena and Infana Cristina are no longer members of the Spanish Royal Family. Due to her and her husband's legal issues, Cristina ceased to be a working member of the royal family more than a year ago, when she and her children moved to Switzerland. Her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, was largely airbrushed of the Casa Real website.
Now, Elena and Cristina are officially out of the Royal Family. Neither have official profiles on the new website. They remain in succession to the throne, but are now in the same position as King Juan Carlos' two sisters. They are members of the King's family. (Infanta Pilar and Infanta Margarita lose their rights of succession when they married non-royals, under the old rules.)
This change means Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina will unlikely appear again at official royal events, including state dinners, nor will they be undertaking official engagements on behalf of King Felipe VI.
http://www.casareal.es/EN/Paginas/home.aspx
Crown Princess Margarita and Prince Radu off to London
Emphasizing the continued strong familial ties between the Romanian and British Royal families, Crown Princess Margarita and Prince Radu will be visiting the United Kingdom from July 4 through July 8
On July 4th, Their Royal Highnesses will meet HRH Prince of Wales in Llwynywermod, Wales.
Monday, July 7, Crown Princess and Prince Radu will meet the Earl and Countess of of Wessex at their home, Bagshot Park in Surrey.
During the visit, Their Royal Highnesses will meet with representatives of business, civil society, the diplomatic corps, as well as scholars.
Traditional links between the Royal Houses of Great Britain and Romania strongly manifested today. The two Royal Families celebrate together by tradition, birthdays and important events.
In the UK, the Royal Family of Romania participates annually in public or non-royal visits. Since 1998, the Prince of Wales,who owns several properties in Romania, tries to visit the country, nearly every year.
The Prince of Wales has spent time with the Crown Princess and Prince Radu, in the Romanian countryside and at the Elisabeta Palace in May 2011.
The latest meeting of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales took place in May when the Prince of Wales received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bucharest heir.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Elisabeta Palace in June 2013, and were welcomed by Their Royal Highnesses Princess Margarita and Prince Radu.
On July 4th, Their Royal Highnesses will meet HRH Prince of Wales in Llwynywermod, Wales.
Monday, July 7, Crown Princess and Prince Radu will meet the Earl and Countess of of Wessex at their home, Bagshot Park in Surrey.
During the visit, Their Royal Highnesses will meet with representatives of business, civil society, the diplomatic corps, as well as scholars.
Traditional links between the Royal Houses of Great Britain and Romania strongly manifested today. The two Royal Families celebrate together by tradition, birthdays and important events.
In the UK, the Royal Family of Romania participates annually in public or non-royal visits. Since 1998, the Prince of Wales,who owns several properties in Romania, tries to visit the country, nearly every year.
The Prince of Wales has spent time with the Crown Princess and Prince Radu, in the Romanian countryside and at the Elisabeta Palace in May 2011.
The latest meeting of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales took place in May when the Prince of Wales received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bucharest heir.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Elisabeta Palace in June 2013, and were welcomed by Their Royal Highnesses Princess Margarita and Prince Radu.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
another QVD due ...
Not sure when ... the Countess of Mornington is expecting her third child. The 39 year-old Jemma Kidd is married to the Earl of Mornington, eldest son the Marquess and Marchioness of Douro.
Lord Douro is the heir apparent to the Duke of Wellington, who celebrated his 99th birthday. Lady Douro was born Princess Antonia of Prussia.
Lord and Lady Mornington are the parents of a set of twins, Arthur, who bears the courtesy title, Viscount Wellesley, and Lady Mae Wellesley, born in January 2010.
Lord Douro is the heir apparent to the Duke of Wellington, who celebrated his 99th birthday. Lady Douro was born Princess Antonia of Prussia.
Lord and Lady Mornington are the parents of a set of twins, Arthur, who bears the courtesy title, Viscount Wellesley, and Lady Mae Wellesley, born in January 2010.
Kaiser declines to go Vienna: has lumbago
July 2, 1914
Kaiser Wilhelm II is "diplomatically ill, and will not be attending Archduke Franz Ferdinand's funeral, reports the New York Times.
The official announcement, which was made earlier today, is not "taken seriously in all quarters," as the Kaiser had "suddenly been compelled to abandon" his plan to travel to Vienna tonight to attend the funeral tomorrow.
According to the announcement, the Kaiser has suffered "a slight indisposition," this morning. The pains "resembling lumbago" began in his back, and he began to feel unwell after his "usual morning ride" at Sanssouci in Potsdam.
It is understand that the Kaiser's brother, Prince Henry of Prussia, who was to have accompanied the Kaiser to Vienna, will now travel "there alone tonight."
The Kaiser's illness is being called a "diplomatic indisposition," either due to his own decision, recognizing that his "presence at the Archduke's funeral as the only foreign sovereign open to misinterpretation" or he received an "intimation" from Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, recommending that it would be better if the funeral ceremonies were completely private."
Kaiser Wilhelm II is "diplomatically ill, and will not be attending Archduke Franz Ferdinand's funeral, reports the New York Times.
The official announcement, which was made earlier today, is not "taken seriously in all quarters," as the Kaiser had "suddenly been compelled to abandon" his plan to travel to Vienna tonight to attend the funeral tomorrow.
According to the announcement, the Kaiser has suffered "a slight indisposition," this morning. The pains "resembling lumbago" began in his back, and he began to feel unwell after his "usual morning ride" at Sanssouci in Potsdam.
It is understand that the Kaiser's brother, Prince Henry of Prussia, who was to have accompanied the Kaiser to Vienna, will now travel "there alone tonight."
The Kaiser's illness is being called a "diplomatic indisposition," either due to his own decision, recognizing that his "presence at the Archduke's funeral as the only foreign sovereign open to misinterpretation" or he received an "intimation" from Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, recommending that it would be better if the funeral ceremonies were completely private."
Bodies of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie arrive in Vienna
July 2, 1914
The bodies of the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg, arrived at 10 p.m., at the Southern Railroad station in Vienna "aboard a special train from Trieste," according to a dispatch from the Associated Press.
Court Chamberlain Prince Montenuvo and other court officials were waiting when the coffins containing the murdered Archduke and Duchess.
The coffins were escorted by "halberdiers and life guardsmen" and brought into the Imperial waiting room, which has been converted into a temporary chapel The two coffins were "blessed by the Court Chaplains."
A funeral procession was formed as the cortege made its way to the Hofburg. No troops were "stationed along the route," and, at the Hofburg, the "master of ceremonies and the palace clergy awaited the cortege at the foot of the Ambassadors' staircase.
After the palace chaplain said a short benediction, and the late Archduke's chamberlain handed the keys to the coffins to Prince Montenuovo. The chapel was locked, and everyone departed.
The Archduke's coffin was surrounded by silver candlesticks "holding lighted tapers." At the foot of the coffin were cushions bearing Franz Ferdinand's "crown and the Austrian Archducal two pointed hat, his general's plumed hat and sword, and all his orders and decorations."
In contrast to the Duchess' morganatic status, the only items placed at the foot of her coffin were her orders, "a pair of long white kid gloves and her fan, in accordance with the Austrian custom."
The only member of the Imperial family to attend the ceremonies tonight is the new heir to the throne, Archduke Karl. He decided "at the last minute" to go to the train station and "meeting the body."
The bodies of the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg, arrived at 10 p.m., at the Southern Railroad station in Vienna "aboard a special train from Trieste," according to a dispatch from the Associated Press.
Court Chamberlain Prince Montenuvo and other court officials were waiting when the coffins containing the murdered Archduke and Duchess.
The coffins were escorted by "halberdiers and life guardsmen" and brought into the Imperial waiting room, which has been converted into a temporary chapel The two coffins were "blessed by the Court Chaplains."
A funeral procession was formed as the cortege made its way to the Hofburg. No troops were "stationed along the route," and, at the Hofburg, the "master of ceremonies and the palace clergy awaited the cortege at the foot of the Ambassadors' staircase.
After the palace chaplain said a short benediction, and the late Archduke's chamberlain handed the keys to the coffins to Prince Montenuovo. The chapel was locked, and everyone departed.
The Archduke's coffin was surrounded by silver candlesticks "holding lighted tapers." At the foot of the coffin were cushions bearing Franz Ferdinand's "crown and the Austrian Archducal two pointed hat, his general's plumed hat and sword, and all his orders and decorations."
In contrast to the Duchess' morganatic status, the only items placed at the foot of her coffin were her orders, "a pair of long white kid gloves and her fan, in accordance with the Austrian custom."
The only member of the Imperial family to attend the ceremonies tonight is the new heir to the throne, Archduke Karl. He decided "at the last minute" to go to the train station and "meeting the body."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)