THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Grey River Argus, 22 April 1911, Page 7

THE GOLDEN FLEECE

SPANISH- KNIGHTS' INVESTITURE. riCTURESQUE CEREMONY The highest distinction amongst Spanish Orders is that of the Golden Fleece, the insignia of which has just been bestowed by King Alfonso on the Marquis de la Torrecilla, the j Dulce of Tamames, Count Tejada de j Valdosera, and the ex-Minister, Alexander Groizard. Of the many mediaeval ceremon-^ ials still observed at the Spanish 'Court, that connected with the Ordei- of the Golden Fleece is the most gorgeous in' its nature. The ceremony begins at eleven o'clock in the morning, and lasts until one o'clock it takes place in the Throne Room. To the right of the King- is placed a small table bearing- a massive silver crucifix and a copy of the Gospels. Upon a velvet cushion/ on a table to the left is placed the insignia of the Order. On the occasion in question the Ihfantas Don Carlos and Don Fernando, the Duke of Calabria, and General Azcarragfa acted as the sponsers of the candidates. They were in military uniform, as was King Alfonso and the Knights of the Order, by whom he was surrounded. On His Majesty entering the hall, escorted by the Commandant of the •Halberdiers, he pronounced the customary formula, "Sentaos y cußYios" ( (t ße seated and cover yourselves"), the recognition of the rank of Grandee of those present. A short address to the King was made by the Master of the Ceremonies, and then the candidates were introduced in turn. In each instance the sponsor addressed the candidate as follows: — "His Majesty the King- has deigned to nominate your excellency a Knight of the >Golden Fleece, and has charged us to ask whether you consent." The reply in each case is: — "I consider the distinction to be a great honour, and I accept it with veneration." Turning to the King, the candidate expressed his thanks, and after King Aitonso Sad made a brief reply the candidate knelt before the throne. Laying his right hand upon the crucifix and the Gospels, he took the prescribed oath, and the King having given him the accolade invested him with the insignia of the Order. Through a golden ring is passed a miniature fleece, also wrought in gold. Above the ring is a golden iiint stone enamelled blue emitting" flames. The decoration is hung from a ribbon of red silk, which is worn by the Grand Master, is composed of alternate flints and rays. ■Having- been embraced by the King the new knights in their turn saluted and embraced their confreres. Finally the Maister of the Ceremonies rose, and addressing King- Alfonso, said: "Senor" (for thus is the King of Spain addressed in Court) "the ceremony is ended," upon which the King rose, and amidst the obeisances of the chapter, retired to his apartments. The Order of the. Golden 1 Fleece was founded by Philip 111, Dufee of Burgundy and the Netherlands, at Bruges in 1429 } on the occasion of his marriage to Isabella, daughter of King John of Portugal. The Order had tEus a commercial . as well as a classical significance, wool being the staple industry of the Low Countries.