IN THE CHATEAU

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 131, 4 June 1937, Page 9

IN THE CHATEAU

THE TWO CEREMONIES

THE DUKE DEEPLY MOVED

MRS. WARFIELD CALM

(Received June 4, 11.30 a.m.)

LONDON, June 3.

The Mayor of Monts (Dr. Charles Mercier), who conducted the civil ■ceremony, upon arrival at the Chateau was conducted to the salon and took his place at a table opposite two armchairs in which the bride and ■ the bridegroom sat. Major MetcaHe, witness for the Duke, sat on the Duke's left, and Mrs. Herman Rogers, witness for the bride, sat beside Mrs. Warfield. The guests were seated in rows behind the couple. The ceremony was very simple, and was finished in 12 minutes. The Mayor read the relevant articles of the civil code, under which the persons being married promise fidelity and to help each other. The husband must protect the wife and the wife obey her husband and live with him, and follow him wherever he deems fit. The hus-' band must maintain the wife in, accordance with her status. "MOST MOVING IDYLL OF'ALL TIMES." Dr. Mercier then declared: By one of the chances of destiny, the most moving idyll of all times takes place under the blue skies of France amidst the flowers and trees of the Chateau de Cande. I salute his Royal Highness as the former Sovereign of a most friendly nation and greet, in the name of France, the Prince, and her whom his Royal Highness has chosen from a noble country which is attached to us by the same precious bonds.. I present you with the most sincere wishes for your happiness. Addressing the Duke, using all his Christian names and titles, including that of Admiral of the Fleet, FieldMarshal, and Marshal of the Air Force of Great Britain, the Mayor asked if he took Mrs. Wallis Warfield as his wife. The Duke replied in firm and clear tones, "Oui, Monsieur le Maire." Dr. Mercier repeated the question to Mrs. Warfield, who replied "Oui" in a slightly unsteady voice. The Mayor then declared: "In the name of the law we declare you united in the bonds of matrimony." Only eleven persons witnessed the civil ceremony—Mrs. Merriman, Major Metcalfe, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rogers, the prefect of Tours, the commissioner of police, and five journalists. Most of the other guests waited in the library, which was transformed into a floral bower, with scores of bouquets and baskets of flowers and several American flags, but nowhere in the decorations were there any British flags. The famous French organist, Marcel Dupre, played a wedding march while the wedded couple proceeded to the music room for the religious ceremony, ['during which there were tears in the Duke of Windsor's eyes, though he made his responses clearly and firmly. Once or twice the bride placed an en--1 couraging hand on his arm. The Duke did not kiss the bride at either the civil or the religious ■ ceremony. At the conclusion of the religious ceremony a bouquet from M. Blum, Prime Minister of France, was presented to the Duke and Duchess, who then returned to the salon to receive the congratulations of the guests. THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONY. The religious ceremony was conducted according to the full rites of the Church of England, including the bride's promise to obey. Brilliant earrings, set with eight flashing sapphires, and a diamond bracelet with dangling crosses adorned the bride, who stood at the altar beside the bridegroom while the Rev. Mr. Jardirie, wearing surplice and purple stole, began the service. The Duke was inclined to fidget, and his voice was' high-pitched when he replied "I will." Mrs. Warfield's responses were soft. The Duke was deeply moved