Ball held for Mercedes and Carlo

February 11, 1901 

 Spanish aristocracy came to the royal palace tonight to attend the ball in honor of Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies and the Princess of the Asturias. The palace, "a magnificent structure," which "was ablaze with electric lights, could scarcely accommodate the invited guests, whose carriages were wending their way thither as early as 9 o'clock." 

The guests entered by a white marble staircase, "at the top which Napoleon stopped at the time of his entry into Madrid, and uttered the famous expression, as he rested his hands on the marble lions, "At long last, Spain, I hold thee whom I have so long desired." Members of the Diplomatic Corps awaited the Royal Party, which arrived "promptly at 10 o'clock." The Queen Regent - Maria Cristina -- was escorted by the Count of Caserta, who is the father of the groom. They were followed by the Countess of Caserta with Archduke Eugen of Austria, the Princess of the Asturias with Prince Carlo, the Infanta Isabel with the Duke of Calabria, the Infanta Eulalia with Prince Gennaro (younger brother of Prince Carlo, and then three of the daughters of the Count of Caserta.

Queen Maria Cristina then welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps. The US Minister Bellamy Storer was accompanied by Mrs. Storer. The queen walked toward Mr. Storer and gave him a "cordial personal greeting." The cordiality extended by all to Mr. and Mrs. Storer was noticeable considering the recent war between Spain and United States. The Royal party moved into the state dining room, "which is one of the most splendid salons in Europe." 

Maria Cristina and her partner opened the dancing "within a reserved space." The guests were "literally jammed in" and dancing was "virtually impossible for two hours." It was not until the Queen Regent on the arm of her brother, and followed by her mother and other members of the royal party, left the ballroom, that the guests could actually move about. It was only after midnight that the younger princes and princesses and members of the Diplomatic Corps were able to find room to dance. 

The New York Times described the evening as a "bewildering spectacle of Court grandeur, in which brilliant uniforms were really less noticeable evening dress." Note: the King of Spain, who was a minor at the time, did not attend the ball. Newspaper style used Princess of the Asturias, rather than Princess of Asturias, which is the standard today.