Tea at Trianon: Royal Wedding, May 2018

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Royal Wedding, May 2018

The new Duchess of Sussex wearing Queen Mary's diamond bandeau

Here, and here are some pictures from the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I thought the ceremony was beautiful and the gown was the loveliest and most modest I have seen in a long time. It was very 15th century and went with the gothic chapel where Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville are buried, those lovers who defied convention in order to be married. And who can help but love Prince Harry. He reminds me of a Plantagenet. The music was heavenly; the full order of service is HERE. To watch the entire wedding, go HERE.

The Queen of England

Princess Charlotte with her family

Susan, TOF said...: I heartily agree with you about Meghan's dress and demeanor. I hope this is the beginning of a trend to beautiful, modest, simple wedding attire, rather than the gowns which look like they belong to Vegas showgirls. She was absolutely radiant. It highlighted her serene beauty, and that of the splendid tiara.

Ms. Ragland, Meghan's mother, was beautiful and dignified. I admire her composure, and that she brought such comfort to her daughter. I think she and Meghan represented we Americans very well.

I *loved* the Gospel choir, especially their rendering of "Stand by Me", a cappella, and the outstanding gentleman who soloed. The cellist did a wonderful job, and to know he was only 19 made his performance even more memorable.

The Episcopal bishop who preached did a fine job, and preached the simple truth of Jesus's Gospel of love. His style may not have been what the British are accustomed to, but he definitely made an impression, and I don't think anyone's attention wandered!

I enjoy seeing young couples truly in love and so happy on their wedding day, especially this couple, bearing in mind the hurtful actions of Meghan's family. God bless them.; May 20, 2018 at 9:44:00 AM EDT
elena maria vidal said...: Yes, I agree, and I am glad you mentioned Meghan's mother, such a lovely and dignified lady.; May 20, 2018 at 9:49:00 AM EDT