A Marriage Uniting Two Branches of the House of Orléans
On 30 May 1864, a magnificent royal wedding brought together members of the French, Spanish and British royal families at Kingston upon Thames, England.
The bride was Princess Marie Isabelle d’Orléans (1848–1919), the fifteen-year-old eldest daughter of Antoine d’Orléans, Duke of Montpensier, and his wife, Infanta Luisa Fernanda of Spain, the younger sister of Queen Isabella II.
The bridegroom, Prince Philippe d’Orléans (1838–1894), Count of Paris, was the eldest son of the late Ferdinand-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, and Princess Hélène of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. As the senior representative of the Orléans dynasty, he was regarded by its supporters as a future claimant to the French throne.
The young couple were first cousins. Their fathers were brothers, both sons of King Louis-Philippe I and Queen Marie-Amélie of France.
The marriage therefore reunited two branches of the former French royal family, while the bride's Spanish Bourbon ancestry strengthened the family's dynastic connections with Spain.
The wedding took place sixteen years after the Revolution of 1848 had driven King Louis-Philippe from the French throne. The family had found refuge in England, where Claremont House in Surrey became an important centre of their life in exile.
The Royal Wedding Ceremony – 30 May 1864
The ceremony was celebrated at St Raphael's Roman Catholic Chapel in Kingston upon Thames.
Contemporary British newspapers described the arrival of the young bride on the arm of her father, the Duke of Montpensier. Dressed in white silk and delicate lace, she wore a magnificent lace veil over a floral bridal wreath. The veil was turned back from her face and fell behind her like a train.
The presence of Queen Marie-Amélie, the widowed Queen of the French and grandmother of both bride and bridegroom, was among the most moving moments of the occasion.
Escorted into the chapel by her grandson, the Count of Paris, the elderly Queen was received with profound respect by the assembled royal guests.
The bride entered shortly afterwards, accompanied by her father.
The marriage was solemnised by Dr Thomas Grant, Roman Catholic Bishop of Southwark. Before exchanging their vows, the bridegroom respectfully sought his grandmother's approval, while the bride turned towards her parents.
The ceremony was attended by numerous members of Europe's royal families, including representatives of the British royal family, the House of Orléans, the Spanish court and several German princely families.
The Spanish Minister, acting on behalf of Queen Isabella II of Spain, the bride's aunt and godmother, was among those witnessing the marriage registration.
A Magnificent Celebration at Claremont
Following the ceremony, the bridal procession returned to Claremont House through streets decorated with triumphal arches, French and Spanish flags, garlands and flowers.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by Prince and Princess Louis of Hesse, joined the celebrations.
A magnificent wedding breakfast was served in an elaborately decorated pavilion erected in the grounds of Claremont.
Queen Marie-Amélie presided over the gathering and proposed a toast to the health and happiness of her newly married grandchildren.
The young Countess of Paris attracted considerable admiration for her graceful appearance and composure.
Later that afternoon, the couple departed for their honeymoon at Woodnorton in Worcestershire.
A Magnificent Wedding Gift – The Mellerio Greek Meander Diamond Tiara
Among the remarkable wedding presents was an extraordinary diamond tiara acquired by the bride's parents, Antoine d’Orléans, Duke of Montpensier, and Infanta Luisa Fernanda of Spain.
The tiara had been created by the celebrated Parisian jeweller Mellerio dits Meller for the London International Exhibition of 1862.
A historical photograph of Mellerio's exhibition showcase identifies the jewel and records its acquisition by the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier for their daughter, the future Countess of Paris.
Inspired by classical Greek ornament, the elegant bandeau features a continuous meander or Greek-key design, richly set with old mine-cut diamonds and accented by rose-cut diamonds.
According to Sotheby's detailed examination, the tiara contains approximately 110–125 carats of diamonds, with the prominent old mine-cut stones in the upper row individually estimated at approximately 1.50–3.20 carats.
The diamonds are predominantly H–K colour and SI clarity, with some VS and I examples, as estimated in their settings.
The jewel weighs approximately 172 grams and measures approximately 50 mm in height. Its inner circumference is approximately 440 mm.
The diamond ornament is detachable and can also be worn as a necklace measuring approximately 420 mm.
The historic tiara underwent an elegant modification after its original creation.
A second row of smaller diamonds was added beneath the prominent old mine-cut diamonds crowning the Greek-key ornament.
These delicate connecting diamonds visually separate the larger stones from the geometric framework, lending the tiara a lighter and more graceful appearance.
The reverse of the jewel was altered to accommodate this addition, and the necklace clasp is also a later modification.
The exact date of these alterations remains unknown.
A Jewel Passed Down Through Generations
Marie Isabelle, Countess of Paris, retained the magnificent Mellerio tiara throughout her lifetime.
Following her death in 1919, the jewel passed by bequest to her youngest son, Prince Ferdinand d’Orléans, Duke of Montpensier (1884–1924).
In 1921, Ferdinand married the Spanish aristocrat María Isabel González de Olañeta, Marquise of Valdeterrazo, who subsequently wore the historic diamond tiara.
Interestingly, she also commissioned a completely separate diamond résille tiara from Mellerio in 1921. This fashionable latticework jewel must not be confused with the Greek Meander Tiara of 1862.
The original diamond tiara thus connects three generations of the House of Orléans, from the royal wedding of 1864 to the later history of the Montpensier family.
A Royal Wedding in Madrid – The Countess of Paris and Her Diamond and Pearl Tiara, 1886
Twenty-two years after her own magnificent wedding, Marie Isabelle d’Orléans, Countess of Paris, attended the marriage of her younger brother, Prince Antonio d’Orléans (1866–1930), to their first cousin, Infanta Eulalia of Spain (1864–1958), daughter of Queen Isabella II.
The ceremony took place on 6 March 1886 in the Royal Palace of Madrid, only a few months after the death of King Alfonso XII.
Unlike the splendid celebrations at Claremont in 1864, the wedding was overshadowed by mourning at the Spanish court. Queen Regent María Cristina, the former Queen Isabella II and the Duchess of Montpensier appeared in black.
The Countess of Paris, who acted as the wedding madrina, attracted particular attention with her elegant grey moiré gown, lace veil and magnificent diamond and pearl jewellery.
A contemporary Spanish account published in El Álbum de la Mujer on 11 April 1886 specifically describes her wearing a diamond and pearl tiara.
This is a fascinating detail in the history of Marie Isabelle's jewels. Her celebrated Greek Meander Diamond Tiara by Mellerio dits Meller, presented by her parents on her marriage in 1864, contains diamonds but no pearls.
The tiara described at the Madrid wedding in 1886 therefore appears to have been a different jewel, although its precise identification and provenance remain unknown.
The wedding also strengthened the close dynastic ties between the Spanish Bourbons and the House of Orléans, ties that had already played such an important role in Marie Isabelle's own marriage twenty-two years earlier.
Historical source: El Álbum de la Mujer, 11 April 1886, p. 144, “Ecos de España”.
Historical Sources
-
Mellerio dits Meller, historical exhibition showcase, London International Exhibition, 1862.
-
London Evening Standard, 31 May 1864, contemporary account of the wedding.
-
Brighton Guardian, 1 June 1864, royal wedding report.
-
Surrey Comet, June 1864, detailed description of the ceremony, wedding celebrations and royal gifts.
-
Sotheby's, Royal & Noble Jewels, Geneva, 11 November 2026, Lot 1072, catalogue description and condition report.
Historical jewellery research and documentation © Royal Magazin – Ursula Butschal.
CONTEMPORARY NEWSPAPER REPORTS — WEDDING OF THE COUNT AND COUNTESS OF PARIS, 1864 Selected original OCR excerpts in chronological and thematic order. Repetitions omitted; exact OCR retained. I. Before the Wedding — The Bridal Trousseau SOURCE: Contemporary British fashion column, spring 1864; newspaper and date not identified in supplied transcription EDITORIAL NOTE: An unusually specific lead concerning Madame Barenne. The report mistakenly calls the bride the daughter of the Duke d’Aumale; she was the daughter of the Duke of Montpensier. The dresses that follow in the full article are described as clothing for wedding guests, and have therefore not been copied here. But the wedding for which the greatest preparations are being made is that of the Count de Paris, who is shortly to be married to the daughter of the Duc d’Aumale. Mme. Barenne, the celebrated milliner, has received orders to prepare both the toilettes and the trouseau for the youthful princess. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- II. The Procession, Bride and Ceremony — An Early Report SOURCE: Contemporary British report of the marriage, May 1864; publication unidentified in supplied transcription EDITORIAL NOTE: Retained for the report of approximately twenty carriages, the bride’s veil and the chapel decorations. The subsequent brief summary of the Claremont reception is not duplicated. The procession left Claremont about half-past ten in twenty carriages. All along the line of routs, to Kingston were crowds of people, many wearing favours. The bride was clad in pure white, a soft airy dress resembling a bloom of white flowers, while the massive lace veil which was over her bridal wreath was turned back from her face and hung like a train behind. She moved with a simple dignity that was inexpressibly charming, and her fine delicate features at once reminded the spectator of the profile of the Princess of Wales. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- III. The Wedding Guests — London Evening Standard SOURCE: London Evening Standard, contemporary wedding report, 1864 (likely 31 May; verify issue date against scan) EDITORIAL NOTE: Principal archival guest list, preserved in full, including foreign diplomats, English and French nobility, and court attendants. Particularly noteworthy are “Mr. Bapst,” “Mr. Odiot,” and the Spanish Minister Comyn.
Among the tried friends of the Orleans family present were — Mr. Hubert et Mr. et Madame Einile Hebert, Comte de Pontois, Mr. Casimir Perier, Comte and Comtesse de Jarnac, Comte de Sercey and Mdlles. dc SeYccy, Marquis de Bouille, Comte de Bouillc, Conite et Comtesse de ville, Marquis et Marquise et Mdlle. d'Harcourt, Due Dccazes, Comte Roger dv Nord, Marquis de Berenger, Baronne Jules d'lvry et Mdlle. d'lvry, Comte ?? et Mr. Ferdinand d'Hautpoul, Marquis de Chanabille, De. Lutteroth, Comte et Comtesse de Bondy, Vicomte ot Vicomtess de Bondy, Mr. Olivier de Bondy, Mr. et Madame Bocher, Madame Vatry, General Julien, Comte Henri de l'Aigle, Baron de l'Espee, Mr. et Madame de l'Espce, Mr. Paravey, Mr. et Madame Reguier, Mr. Adolphe Regnier, Baron Perignon, Mr. Roger de Scitivaux, Mr. Xavier Raymond, Mr. Amedee Achard, Comte Ludovic de Beauvoir, Vicomte et Vicomtesse Vigier, Madame Laugel, Madame Hales, Comte Maurice de la Redorte, Mdlle. I. He n in, Mr. et Madame Odier, Marquis de Flora, Comte et Comtesse de Flers, Mr. Estancelin, Mr. Emmanuel et Ernest Duvergier de Hauranne, Mr. et Madame de Villeneuve, Mr. ct Madame Leberquier, Mr. et Madame de Chaulin, Mr. AchilleGuilhem, Mr. Daulnoy, Mr. Meran, Mr. et Madame Love, Madame la Boranne de Berthois, Mr. Pougny, Mr. Morin, Mr. Guibourd, Mr. Dareste, Mr. Firino, Mr. et Madame Guencau de Mussy, Mr. Pigache, Mr. de Germoniere., Mr. Charles Mallet, Mr. Bapst. Air. Lorois, Mr. Pinotau, Mr. Joseph Miohon, Mr. le Docteur Heurteloup, M. Charles Grillion, Madame et Mdlle. Deutend de Pingre, Mr. Lamaille, Mr. Ferdinand Duval, Mr. Cabrol, Mr. le Docteur Leclerc, Mr. Banderali, Mr. Bruguon, Mr. Barouille, Mr. Odiot, Comte Zamoisky, Mr. Brolmann, Mr. Galait, Mr. de Cailluz, &c The members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Court of St. James's mustered In strength, as will be observed by the following list : — Le Comte Apponyi, Ambassadeur ; le Comte de Bernstorff, Ambassadeur de Prusse; M. Comyn, Ministre; M.Van de Weyer, Ministre de Belgique ; M. le Baron de Cet to, Ministre Baveire ; M. Comte de Lavradio, Ministre de Portugal ; le Marquis d'Azeglio, Ministre d Italic ; le Comte de Vitzthum, Ministre de Saxe ; Madame la Comtesse Apponyi, Madame la Conitesse de Bernstorff, Madame Comyn, Madame Van de Weyer, &c.
The friends of the Orleans family among the English nobility were represented by che Earl and Countess Russell, the Earl St. Germans, the Marquis and Marchioness of Clanricarde, Lord and Lady Stanley of Alderley, the Countess Frances Waldegrave and Mr. Fortescue, Lady Alice Peel and General Peel, Lady Foley and Lord Foley, Lord Houghton, Lord Ravensworth, Lieut. Colonel Fletcher, Major Pierson, Sir Robert Peel, Lady Augusta Stanley, Lady Acton, Hon. Frederick Byng, Lady William flervey, Mr. Reeves, Mgr Grant et son grand vicaire, General Sir Edward Cust, Dr. Hoffmann, Mr. Paul and Mis. Graham, Sir Roderick Murchison, Mr. Marjoribanks, Sir E. Antrobus, Mr, Engelbach, Mr. Taylor and the Misses Taylor, Comte Zamoiski, Mr. and Mrs. William De la Rive, Mr. and Mrs. Devaux, Mr. and Mis. Benyon, Mr. Raphael, Mr. Conte, First Secretaire de la Legation d' Espagne, and Mrs. Conte, Mr. and Mrs. Merry del Vai, M. le Due de Grenade, Mr, and Mrs. Gabarron, M. le Vice Consul d'Espagne, Mr. Cristofore Murietta, Mr. Santiago, commander de la frigate Espagnole, Baron de Grovestm, Mr. and Miss Lillo, Mr. Miranda, lieutenant de vaisseau, M. Zeduchi, second commandant de la frigate Espagnole, Mr. Weston, &c In immediate attendance upon tho family there were present the Marquise de Beauvoir, Marquise de Lasteyrie, Comtesse de Chabannes, Mdlle. Miiser Marquise de Chanalciller, Madame dv Parquet, Mdlle. Bernard, Comtesse de Coeffier, Mdlle. de Clinchamps, Marquise de Cela, Marquise de Vallejo, Mdlle, de Vallejo, Madame Robles, Baronne de Borsch, General Comtc Dumas, General Comte de Chabannes, General Comte d'Houdetot, General Comte de Montesquiou, General Baron do Berthois, Marquis de Beauvoir, M, Asseline, M. de Boismilon, M. Morhain, M. Reille, M. Gauthier, Colonel Sanchiz, Colonel Caillet, Colonel Trognon, Colonel Fauvel, Colonel Cuvillier Fleury, Colonel Laugel, Colonel Foly, Colonel Reguier, Marquis de Moscoso, Colonel Velarde, Colonel De La Tour, Dr. Serrano, Dr. Cagiges, Baronne de Nostitz. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. Marriage Vows and Representation of the Spanish Queen — London Evening Standard SOURCE: London Evening Standard, contemporary wedding report, 1864 EDITORIAL NOTE: Preserved because it specifies the ring, the symbolic gold and silver coins, and the Spanish Minister’s role. The ceremony itself is otherwise already described in the main article. Upon the bishop asking the bridegroom, Will you take this woman to thy wife ? " the Count de Paris, before replying, turned towards his Royal grandmother, who having; by a gentle inclination, indicated her consent, his Royal Highness said, " I will." On a similar question being addressed to the Princess Isabelle, her Royal Highness turned towards her father and mother, and, making a graoeful obeisance, appeared to request their assent. This being given, the Princess said, in a clear and delicate voice, "I will." The Count de Paris then addressed the Princess Isabelle as follows : — " By permission of the church I now take thee for my spouse to bave and to guard, and hereunto I pledge my troth." The Count now handed a ring and two pieces of money to the Princess, saying, •• With this ring I thee wed, and I give you this gold and silver in token that I bestow upon you my worldly wealth." The ring was now placed by the bishop on the finger of the Princess, who re- peated the usual form of words in a distinct voice, with which tbe religious ceremony terminated. The bride and bridegroom, with the family party, now retired into the sacristy to sign the registry. Sl. Comyn, Spanish Minister at this Court, was in attendance to witness this act on behalf of his Sovereign. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- V. Decorated Streets and Spanish-French Heraldry — Surrey Comet SOURCE: Surrey Comet, report published after the wedding, early June 1864 (exact issue date to verify) EDITORIAL NOTE: Unique local detail: triumphal arches with the Orléans arms, the couple’s monograms, French and Spanish flags, and a Moorish-style dome. The remainder of the journey is not repeated. At the entrance to tho village, across the Portsmouthroad, a triumphal arch, of Grecian design, 32 feet in height, had been erected, and abundantly covered with the foliage of the yew. In the centre of the arch was shield with the Orleans arms, draped with flags; on the sides were shields bearing the monograms of the bride and bridegroom 1.0. and L.P.O. Pendent baskets of flosers hung from the side arches, sod tripods filled with exotics, kindly lent by tho High- Sheriff of Surrey, stood at the bases of the principal arch. The myriads of flowers which adorned the arch were principally artificial, as the effect of natural oucs would have been destroyed exposure to the weather; but round the buses and round the stands of tbo tripods were natural flowers, while a pretty effect wasobtaiued encirdKng the Utter with the syritya, the flowers of which resemble the orange blossom in colour and odour. These natural flowers were lent Mr. Brett and other gentlemen of Ehcr. Beared aloft over tho arches were flagstaff, with French pendant., surmounted with chaplets and flowers From this arch on both sides of the road, towards Clarcmont-lane were placed flagpoles, bearing small shield, draped with crossed French and Spanish flags, with streamers fluttering gaily. Between the poles fir trees, set in the ground, were alternated, and festoons of flowers were to have been garlanded from tre to pole and from pole to tree, but this part of the prearrangeroeot was departed from. the green, fronting the Bear Inn was a pole, 60 feet high, bearing a Urge English flag, and ut the entrance to Claremontlune was another evergreen and floral arch, equally pretty the other, and in many reapccti similarly ornamented, hut varied in its general design. Its extreme height was 3G feet, and above the crown rose Moorish dome, surmounted by a golden ball, and with gilt pinnacles on either side. These arches and tho decorations of the village generally were most tastefully and prettily conceived by Mr: Williamson, and executed him nndsr the direction of the Executive Committee. 'Hie mechanical portion of the work was ably executed Mr. Foster, builder, Kshcr. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. A Souvenir Brooch for Gertrude Cookson — Surrey Comet SOURCE: Surrey Comet, early June 1864 EDITORIAL NOTE: A separately documented piece of jewellery given by the bride to the girl who presented her with a bouquet. The accompanying thank-you letter is especially important for future provenance research. On reaching tho foot of the steps little fairy thing, in white, stepped forward, and, on behalf of the Committee, presented the bride with a beautiful bouquet—this was Miss Gertrude Cookson, granddaughter of Mrs. General Cookson, of Esher. Tuesday last the little Indy received letter from M. I.a Tour, accompanying the gift of a very beautiful brooch sent by H.R.H. the Comtesse de Paris, Annexed is a translation of the letter ; “Claremont, 31st May. Mademoiselle,—ll.R.H. the Corolcsse ds Paris dttircs to have the honour of requiting you to bs the interpreter of bar lively gratitude your amiahie young (Oir.pat.ioas, and to keep for yourself the ornament accompanying this letter, which it is the desire of Her Royal Highness you should preserve, as a souvenir of one of the sweetest episodes of that beautiful day, the memory of which will never clTaced from her heart. Will you receive, Mademoiselle, the most respectful sentiments of (Signed), ANTOINE TOUR." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- early June 1864 EDITORIAL NOTE: Important evidence for historic wedding photographs and their later distribution. The photographer reportedly made the couple’s photograph at Claremont as well as views of the steps and triumphal arches. During a portion bis address His Royal Highness paused, and remained perfectly still for a moment. according to promise, was to allow of Mr. Williamson taking a photograph of the charming tableau presented, in which the Royal bride and bride groom arc the principal figure. hear that view wus auccessfuily obtained, and that four companion views, commemorative of the occasion, were also taken —of the steps before their return, of the Hersbnm Donkey Hrigade, and of the two triumphal arches. The Royal family hare graciously ordered a number of these copies, and Mr. Williamson has been honoured with an interview by Queen Amulie, and at her request exhibited copies ou Thursday at the Tote at Orleaus House. Numerous inquries ure being made to whether copies can purchased generally, and have pleasure in recommending those desirous of obtaining them to apply early Mr. F. J. Williamson, at Esher.---------------------------------------------------------------------- VIII. Wedding Cake and the Ladies’ Dresses — Surrey Comet SOURCE: Surrey Comet, early June 1864 EDITORIAL NOTE: Unique descriptions retained: the wedding cake’s miniature temple and heraldic flags, the Queen’s pale lilac-grey gown, the bride’s white silk, the Princess of Wales in pale pink, Princess Alice in lilac, and the Duchess of Montpensier’s Spanish-style striped silk. At the place to be occupied by the bride was a buquet of orange blossoms, and in the centre of the table stood magnificent bridecake, vast in its proportions, but light and elegant in its struct are. Above tho cake itself rose light superstructure representing a temple, within which were doves drinking from a fountain ; above the temple waved the Orleans flag with the yieur de Us, and the Spanish flag with its red and yellow stripes. The Queen Marie Amelie wore dress of pale lilac approximating to grey, trimmed with white lace. The bride wore dress of white silk trimmed with white lace, and white lace veil. The Princess of Wales wore dress of pale pink. The Princess Alice wore lilac silk. The Duchesse Montpensier wore dress of white and yellow striped silk trimmed with black lace, essentially Spanish in appearance. The Princess Mary of Cambridge wore dress of pale salmon colour, in very small stripes. In the other toilets light blue and white were the most prominent colours. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IX. Wedding Presents from Royal Relatives — Surrey Comet SOURCE: Surrey Comet, early June 1864; report drawing upon contemporary London wedding coverage EDITORIAL NOTE: The most specific surviving itemised gift in these English clippings is the white marble paperweight with Queen Marie-Amélie’s miniature portrait, mounted by Leuchars. The other gifts are characterised as magnificent, but not itemised here. The bridal presents from Royal aud noble friends wore of magnificent character, she Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Cambridge, ond many others, were munihcont in their gifts, but among them possibly valued was one from the Queen Amelia uerself to tbe Count de Paris, which consisted of white marble presse-papier, cont lining exquisite miniature of her Majesty on ivory, with gilt mounts, made by Leuchars, from Queen Amelie's own design. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- X. The Evening Ball and Honeymoon — Further British Report SOURCE: British wedding report, 1864; newspaper title not present in supplied OCR EDITORIAL NOTE: Retained for a distinct evening event at Morgan House, Ham Common, hosted by the Duke and Duchess de Chartres, and to document the reported departure for Woodnorton. The rest of this report repeats the ceremony and has been omitted. The Count and Countess de Paris departed in the afternoon for Woodnorton, Worcestershire, the seat of the Duke d’Aumale, where they will pass a few weeks. In the evening a grand ball was given by the Duke and Duchess de Chartres, at thefr residence, Morgan House, Ham-common, which was honoured by the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Prince and Princess Louis of Hesse, who arrived early from the White House, Richmond, whither they had proceeded on leaving Claremont House, after the déjeiner which followed the marriage at Kingston. I'heir roval highnesses were attended by the Countess of Morton, Hou. R. H. Meade, Major Teesdale, Mlle. de Grancey, and Captain von Westerweller. The Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Duke of Cambridge, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and Princess Mary were also present, and were received by the Duke de Chartres. The Prince and Princess de Joinville, the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier, the Duke d’Aumale, the Duke de Nemours, and many of the distinguished visitors at Claremont also attended. Dancing proceeded with much gaiety and animation till supper was announced, shortly before eleven, when the Duke de Chartres conducted the Princess of Wales to her seat, and the other visitors followed in due order. 'The spacious apartment was brilliantly illuminated, and the tables were furnished in an exceedingly sumptuous manner. After the return of the company to the ball-room, dancing was resumed with much zest, and was continued for some time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- XI. The Fête at Orleans House — A Separate Event after the Wedding SOURCE: Contemporary British press report, June 1864; newspaper title not identified in supplied transcription EDITORIAL NOTE: A subsequent charity fête, not part of the wedding ceremony. Included as contextual archival evidence because the wedding had brought so many royal visitors to England, and goods and artworks arrived from Spain and elsewhere. The marriage of the Count de Paris with the Princess Isabelle d'Orleans having brought to this country a large number of foreigners of distinction, the Duke d'Aumale, on a suggestion being conveyed to him to this purport, immediately responded, and threw open the grounds and salons of Orleans House for a fete in aid of the funds of the French Benevolent Society, founded in 1842 by the then French ambassador at this Court, the Count de Ste. Aulaire, for the relief of poor French residents in London. irrespective of religious creed or political opinions, and which counted among its benefactors King Louis Philippe, Queen Marie Amelie, the count de Chambord, the Emperor of the French, the Lord Mayor of London, and many distinguished members of the English aristocracy. This charity,amongst all the political changes which have fallen its original promoters, has preserved its original character, and has found some points in which all who loved France could unite, viz., to give weekly relief in mlney, bread, or clothing to deserving objects; to afford medical assistance, to grant passages to France to persons desirous to return to their native country, and to procure employment for these able to follow their occupation in England. The first stall was occupied by her Royal Highness the Duchess d'Aumale, who, having secured a large portion of her stock for nothing (for it is believed her Royal Highness was positively encumbered by a wealth of presents from all the female branches of the Royal houses of Europe), sold them at a price utterly irrespective of all notions of political economy. Miss Coutts was a purchaser of cushions and similar triviage to the extent of 301., and many others of less wealth and equal charity were proportienate in their liberal eccentricities of purchase. There was a fountain, of course supplied by Kimmel, in which it cost a shilling to dip a handkerchief, and a Bouquet d'Orleans, of the same authority, which was charitably sold in half. ounce bottles from a guinea to half-a-crown. The Duchess Chartres presided at the second stall, which was also tilled with miscellaneous goods and works of art of every kind, from a sketch by Linton, which realised Si., to one by I3ellet, which realised 10/. Then there was an album of 44 views, contributed by Madame de Salvo, for a hundred subscribers of 10s. each. A list under such auspices eneedily filled up. It was at this stall that the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary laid out 50/. in spider tables and other curiosities of art, most of them contributions from Spain in behalf of the charity. The Princess Augustus of Saxe-Coburg and the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz also bought largely at this stall. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Historical jewellery research and documentation © Royal Magazin – Ursula Butschal.
::::
Emerald and Diamond Parure |Royal France |Jewels Queen Marie Amelie |Joyaux de la Reine Marie-Amélie
::::
