Kaiser Wilhelm II sees grandson wed

May 4, 1938

Former Kaiser Wilhelm II, living in exile in Doorn, was unable to go to Potsdam to witness the civil and Russian Orthodox marriage ceremonies, where his grandson, Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia married Grand Duchess Kira of Russia.

A third marriage, according to the rites of the Lutheran church, was held today in the Kaiser's private chapel at Haus Doorn.

Wilhelm II's personal chaplain, Pastor Doering, officiated at the ceremony, which was "simple and the setting almost rural," but the "uniforms and dresses recalled the splendor."

Wilhelm's standard was flown from a flag pole at the estate's main gate. The former Kaiser wore the uniform of a "general of the old German Imperial Guard, covered with decorations," and his son, Crown Prince Wilhelm, father of the groom, wore the uniform of a general in the Death's Head Hussars.
Prince Louis Ferdinand wore "the light blue uniform of the new German air force."

Grand Duchess wore her grandmother's bridal gown, which she also wore in the Orthodox service at Potsdam, "with an imposing necklace" that was a gift from her father-in-law. She carried a bouquet of orchids.

At a formal dinner, which followed the wedding, Wilhelm II offered a toast to the newlyweds and welcomed Kira into the family, and "expressed his happiness at this new tie with the Romanoffs." In a "deeply moved voice," Wilhelm II "urged the young couple to build their life on the rock of Christian faith."

"My dear Louis Ferdinand," the 79-year-old Kaiser said: "you have a task to fulfill. You can fulfill it only with the help of God. Under his blessing and with a strong belief in his Son, our Master, I hope you will build your house.

"Work with all your might honor God, to the honor of our house, and to the honor of our German fatherland and be an example to your people."

Most of the guests were friends and family of the bride and groom. Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands and her husband, Prince Bernhard, were also present.

Kira's mother, the late Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna of Russia, was the Kaiser's first cousin, as both were grandchildren of Queen Victoria.

After the reception, Prince and Princess Louis Ferdinand got into their car for the drive to Germany. They are scheduled to leave for the United States in a few days and will have a prolonged stay in the country, as part of the Kaiser's wedding gift.