SPANISH GRANDEES

Shannon News, 1 April 1926, Page 3

SPANISH GRANDEES

A “HEAD COVERING” CEREMONY Early this year in the royal palace at Madrid there will take place the “head covering” of the grandees of Spain, a ceremony usually held evciy two or three years. It is the only Court in the world where such a privilege exists. The class known as “Grandees of Spain” was founded in the sixteenth century, when Emperor Charles substituted it fo rthat of the “ricqs-. hombres,” or ancient peers, and tr.om this class are nominated the hign officials and others, attached to the palciCG. The principal privilege enjoyed by this class is that of covering their heads before the King. The grandees, dressed in accordance with their rank, military, noble, or gentle, who have already performed the ceremony, assemble in th e chamber, where those about to have audience with the King await admission and remain standing around the hall. When the King enters, attended by liis suite and by the majordomo of the royal household, the company remove their hats. The King sits on a raised seat m the middle of the hall and says: “Cover your heads.” They do so, and the ceremony begins. One of the heialds of the royal household goes to the ante-chamber, and on entering proclaims: “The Duke, Marquis o So-and-So.” The person announced enters, his sponsor at his side. ‘ The latter is also a grandee of Spain, usually the head of the illustrious house which is associated with him in a ceremonial proceedings. They bow once to the King and once left and right, and their greeting is returned by the whole company. They then approach the King, who says: “Cover your head and speak.’ The new grandee then covers his head and reads a speech, telling the story of his ancestors, and in particular the deeds which earned them their privilege. On the conclusion the grandee falls oil one knee, and His Majesty addresses a few words to him, after which he takes his place behind all (lie rest and liis sponsor returns to his allotted position. This ceremony is repeated until all th.* neophytes have been presented. Borne grandees act as sponsors to several newcomers, and the order of entrance is strictly according to seniority of title. Any doubt or difficulty arising, as is often the case, ir settled by a previous meeting of: sponsors in tlio majordomo’s apartments.