Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Kaiser Wilhelm II remarries


Embed from Getty Images
November 5, 1922

Behind close doors at Haus Doorn, former Kaiser Wilhelm II was married today to Princess Hermine of Reuss. Wilhelm's first wife, Auguste Victoria died in 1920.

Only 28 guests, including the Crown Prince and the Kaiser's younger brother, Henry, were present for the civil and religious services, the latter according to the rites of the Lutheran church.

The kaiser's only daughter, Viktoria Luise, did not come to Doorn, as she is still mourning the death of her mother, and is loathe to accept a new wife for her father.

Visiting dignitaries were jeered when they arrived at Doorn's gates.

In the morning, Prince Henry was seen walking around the park "with a pretty red-haired girl."

At 9:15 a.m., the Kaiser, wearing the uniform of a Prussian general, emerged from Doorn for the short drive to the lodge to join his fiancee for breakfast Ninety-minutes later, Wilhelm left the lodge for the drive back to the main house. In the meantime, Hermine-s 4-year-old daughter, Princess Henriette of Schoenaich-Carolath arrived at the lodge.

At 10:55 Pastor Vogel, the former Court preacher, arrived at Doorn, just before the Crown Prince who drove up to the house in an open car and "in the company of a pretty, young woman."

The Crown Prince's wife, Cecilie, remained in Potsdam, and did not attend the wedding.

Crown Prince Wilhelm wore the field uniform of the Death's Head Hussars.
By 11:20, the sun broke through the clouds - Kaiserwetter -- a good sign for the wedding.

The Kaiser's second son, Eitel Friedrich, "supremely good natured," was the next to arrive.

Wilhelm II came back out of the house, and got back into his car, with the blinds drawn, and was driven to the lodge, where the civil marriage was performed. The room's decor was simple. The only floral arrangement was a flower basket, a gift from Queen Wilhelmina.

Once the civil formalities were completed and the couple were married according to Dutch law, Wilhelm and Hermine emerged from the lodge and quickly got into the car, which sped back to Haus Doorn.

The Lutheran wedding took place in the hall at Doorn. The hall was filled with flowers and an altar erected for the ceremony.

A "simple wedding luncheon" followed the service, and featured Bouillon in cups, salmon in jelly, Ham with Cumberland sauce and salad, Chaudfroid of chicken and punch romaine. French champagne was also served.

The Kaiser's brother, Henry, made a short toast at the reception.
In the evening, it is believed that the Kaiser and his new bride remained at Doorn, while other wedding guests dined with Count von Bentinck at his home, Amerongen castle.

1 comment:

John said...

I had to Google 'Chaudfroid of chicken'. It sounded so sophisticated and wonderful. It's just plain old chicken salad!!!!
(I'd prefer Chaudfroid of shrimp or lobster)