THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S MARRIAGE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue IX, 16 March 1874, Page 2

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S MARRIAGE.

The Wellington rdst, of Saturday, . coutains .th.c following -cable despatch, dated St Petersburg, January 23: — The marriage ceremony of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Maria commenced at noon to-day in the presence of a vast assemblage of guests iv the Winter Palace and the various galleries. The ladies were sumptuously attired, tho prevailing costumes, particularly of the Russian ladies were velvet and diamonds. Tbe men were in uniform, with the exception of the American Diplomatist. After .assembling, a procession was formed wi'h the Grend Equerries, Chamberlain-*, and other officers of the Court. Leading them was the Emperor and Empress Imperial, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princes Imperial of Germany and Denmark, and Prince Arthur. Then came the bride and the bridegroom, who wore the Russian naval uniform. The bride was splendidly apparelled in a long crimson velvet mantle trimmed with ermine, and she wore a diamond coronet. Her train was borne by four pages. Then followed an immense procession of the Imperial family, priests, friends, princes, and court officials. The Imperial Russian Prince wore the uniform of Cuirassiers, the Prince of Wales, the scarlet British uniform, the Prussian Prince Imperial that of a. Prussian Colonel. All were decorated with the Russian Ordtr of St. Andrew. Tbe Princess of Wales was dressed iv dark crimson velvet, with diamond ooronet and collar, and pearl necklace. The Imperial German Princess was dressed in the same style. The Russian Princess'drees was blue velvet and gold. Prince Arthur acted as one of the groomsmen. All wore silver wedding favors. The procession, upon reaching the Russun Church, was received by tinMetropolitan Head of the Russian Church of the Holy Synod, bearing crosses and sacred vessels with Holy water. The Emperor conducted tbe bride and bridegroom to the middle of the church, assuming his station with the Empress immediately behind. Around the bridegroom stood Pi ince Arthur and tho Grand Dukes. Tbe wedding rings, borne on golden salvers, were deposited on the altar temporarily, until placed on the fingers of the bride and bridegroom. The magnificent cl apel was illuminated with innumerable wax candles; the floor was covered with velvet, crimson ond gold carpets; the pillars and aliais were covered with gold. The Grrck marriage ceremony was unique iv the absence of music. Chants and intoned prayers were given during tbe service. The crowns wero held suspended over the heads ofthe bridal pair, Prince Arthur holding the crown over the Duke of Edinburgh, and Princo Serguis that over the bride. The Imperial Confessor then said: "Thou servant of God, Alfred Ernest Edward, art crowned for this handmaiden of God, Maria Alexandra, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Prinoe Arthur becoming tired of holding the heavy crown, was relieved. Then the Epistle to the Ephesians, 2nd chapter, 20th and 23rd verses, were read. After the reading was concluded the marriage at Cana of Galilee was read. Tbe crowns were removed, and the married _ couple walked thrice around the raised dais, holding to the tip of the confessor's robe witb one hand and a candle in the other. At the conclusion of tbe ceremony tho sacramental cup was brought forward, blessed, and partaken pf by the bridal pair, the confessor presenting the cross, which both kissed. Afterward the choir sang " Glory to thee, O LordH concluding with a benediction. This ended the Greek service. The procession then slowly formed, proceeding to the Hall of Alexander for the Anglican service. Pean Stanley, of Westminster Abbey, officiated. The walls were decorated with battle pictures. Dean Stanley, who during tbe solemnization of the Greek church service, wore a Protestant Episcopal Doctor of Divinity's hat and gown, and wbo now appeared at tbe altar wearing an Episcopal surplice with a jewelled collar of the Order of the Bath around bis neck, was assisted by two resident English clergymen. Both the American and the English Colony were gathered on the left of the the altar Conspicuous among them was Governor Jewett, the American Miuister, Lord Loftue, the English Minister and Diplomatic officials. Many English officers, iv full costume, were also present. Especially notable was the venerable Pripce'Gortschakoff, surrounded by leading membersof the Russian nobility. The Episcopal chants were given by Russian chorister lads in long crimson dresses. When the marriage procession entered, the bride walked between her father and the bridegroom. Prince Arthur walked behind. The beautiful Anglican wedding service was then impressively performed by Dean Stanley, the Prince and Princess responding according to the form enjoined in the book of Common Prayer. The delivery of the final benediction, " God the Father, God the Son, Grod the Holy Ghos, — bless, preserve, and keep you," was especially touching. The services being oonoluded, Dean Stanley congratulated the 1 newly-married couple^. Several Roman Catholic dignitaries Were present. The bride looked tamest, sweet, and fair-faced; the grave bhd .elf^possesserl. ; -The Princesß of Walea Was lovely, pale, and delicate, The' German Crown

Princess looked healthy— the image of her mother, Queen Victoria. The Prince of Wales was apparently on excellent terms with the ftermnn P- ince, and both looked well. vDurinjr the ceremony in the /English Chapel, the Empress of Russia, being a confirmed invalid and fatigued, seemed overcome and made a motion of holding a hauJkerchief to her eyea when the married couple saluted her. The ceremony beiog concluded, the crowd dispersed. There was pnly a limited display of popular enthusiasm. An illumination of the public squares took place, and the scene was one of splendid festivity. The service formed an extraordinary combination of ceremony, wealth, pomp, and ependor. After the marriage rites there was a banquet at tbe Palace, and subsequently a ball at the gorgeous. At the close of tbe ball the Iridal couple were formally , marched to the bridal chamber, accompanted by the Emperor and oflicers of J the Court. The festivities were continued after the retirement of the happy | couple, the Emperor being present.