A SOCIETY WEDDING.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1922, Page 4

A SOCIETY WEDDING.

LORI) LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN AND MISS E.DWINA ASHLEY. PRINCE OF WALES HIS BEST MAN. LONDON, July 18. The grand climax of the London sea. son—the wedding of Lord Louis Mountbatten and Miss Edwina Ashley —happened to-day, when H.R.H. the Prince of Wales acted ns best man. The first of tile many people interested—women mainly—were on the scene in spite of the miserably wet weather at daybreak and from that moment until the arrival of the bride the crowd grew until the precincts of St. Margaret’s and the Abbey was choked with onlookers. A diversion which (Jeliglited the spectators was the . arrival of two gaily decorated charabancs full of petty officers, blue-jackets and marines from the Renown. They wore immense buttonholes and were 111 the highest spirits, and as they made a tour of Parliament Square, the blue-jackets waved to ,tlie crowd and blew kisses. Later tljqy marched back to the church door and took up their position at the entrance, ready to draw the motor-car of the happy .pair after the ceremony. The bridesmaids—four Greek princesses among them —wore delphinium blue dresses. The blue crepe which was mounted rover paler turquoise

satin, had panels hack and front, tho deep bodices finished with folded ribbons in shot blue tissue, mauve silk and palest calyx green, representing the flower exactly. These sashes were arranged with three puffs at one side with sash ends depending, and each wore her pannier at the outer side of the procession, according to her place in the aisle.

Most becoming of every one of them too, were the silver and lace hats, wide points of lace standing out - at the sides and a Russian-shaped peak in front bound with shot green silver galon round the crown. They cairiod sheaves of the blue delphiniums. A wedding where the heir to the throne was taking a part bad naturally as chief of the guests the King and Queen and present too were Queen Alexandra, the Duke of York, Prince Henry. Princess Mary, Viscountess Lascelles, was there with her husband, Princess Victoria, the Duke of Connaught. tho Princess Royal, Princess

Christian, Princess Helenfi, Victoria and Princess Marie Louise. The bride arrived, leaning on her father's arm. In front of her came an' attendant, walking backwards and bearing a small silver mace. Then the bride herself, her gown of frosted silver sparkling in the light. On Bor head was a wreath of orange blossom. A wonderful luce veil covered her fate, and from the collar of her dross bung a train of silver tissue.

Canon Carnegie, of St. Marga set's, alone conducted the ceremony. The Prince of Vales carried out his duty with his usual quiet precision, cheerful, showing just that trick of hesitation which has endeared him to the great public.

During ’the reception his Royal Highness bad to undergo friendly banter as to the day when lie would be occupying a central position at n similar ceremony. The comment was

made in more than one quarter that lie did not explicitly deny the .report that tlu* day is not far distant when be will himself become a bridegroom.

He was particularly pleased at the praise given to his present to his cousin ami former shipmate, Lord Bonis Mountlxitten, which took the form of a silver globe with a map of the world engraved on it, the course of the Renown’s voyage being marked by a white enamel line. Tt was an informal reception which as was remarked, formed a fitting windup to a brilliant season. Notabilities crowded in fast, and thiugli there were probably well over 1000 guests present, there was no sign of confusion.

fn one corner of tlio room the Prince of Wales managed to collect the bridegroom and a few other officers who had shared the cruise of the Renown through Eastern waters and they drank the health of the bridegroom with enthusiasm.

When the bride and bridegroom left for their honeymoon tl.ic younger members of the party beaded for the staircase and showered rose petals upon them as they passed to the waiting ear, the Prince of Wales lamented that lie had not something “good and hard and heavy—say a ‘footer’ hoot—-to hurl at ‘Dickie’ (Lord Louis), just for luck.”