#hrh-honeymoon

[joanofparadise]

“It started off very innocently: I was plagued with misery, anxiety, and a wish to escape the prison of my mind and body.” - myorar

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

Scotland State Visit Part 3

On the third day began with TRH the Duke and Duchess of Rothsey visiting the Scottish Embassy in Windensen. The Duchess stunned in a red dress from Scottish retailer Heather & Hues while the Duke wore a standard Simarni pinstripe suit with a red tie to match his wife.

The Pair were greeted by Ambassador Kayla Calvert, who has been in her post for the past 2 years. The couple also unveiled a new portrait of HM King Alexander III that will hang in the embassy before they met with the Ambassador to discuss the Kingdom's priorities in their centuries long alliance with Pierreland.

Later in the day, TRH were joined by Prince Magnus and Princess Magdalena of Lunaria for a Garden Party at the Embassy celebrating Scottish-Pierrelander relations and Scottish expats who are making waves in Pierreland.

Reports are saying that this is Prince Magnus & Princess Magdalena's first engagement together as a couple with Princess Magdalena supporting her boyfriend and engaging with others at the party. Princess Magdalena has grown up around the Imperial Family of Pierreland and has known Prince Oliver over the years however she met Prince Magnus two years ago when she began attending university in Pierreland.

That evening, the Scottish royals attended a State dinner at Palais de Royal Rouge hosted by Their Imperial Majesties where the jewelry of all nations were on display.

HRH the Duchess of Rothsey was seen wearing the Tiara now known as the Rothsey Wedding tiara, comissioned by her husband as a wedding gift along with a string of pearls from her in-laws. In honor of the host nation, she is wearing a red dress from Pierreland fashion house Alexander Patel which nods to the Oderians of the Empire, alongside the sash of tartan of the Rothseys and the Order of the Thistle. She is being escorted by the Emperor who was wearing traditional white tie with the sash of the Order of the Lion. The Emperor and Duchess were overheard to be talking about art and possibly touring the Imperial Art archives.

Next to enter is HIM Empress Katalina was seen wearing the Oderian Durbar Tiara alongside the Jubilee Sapphire and Pearls set from the Imperial Vault. The Empress wore a blue dress by Scottish design house Catherine Caledonia alongside her purple sash of the Order of the Lion. She was escorted by her nephew, HRH the Duke of Rothsey who was seen wearing white tie with a kilt and his sash for the Order of the Thistle. The aunt and nephew were seen animatedly discussing some laws that Oliver had questions on.

Behind them is HIH Crown Prince Louis and Prince Magnus of Argyll. The Crown Prince wore the white tie of PIMA cadets while Prince Magnus wore white tie with a kilt and a sash for his recently awarded Order of the Thistle. The two Princes are rumored to be at odds but seemed to be having a casual conversation about polo.

And at the end are HRH Princess Magdalena of Lunaria escorted by HIH Prince Henri and HIH Princess Maria Aisha. Princess Magdalena & Prince Henri were seen discussing the musical performance of the previous night as the Princess dazzled in a custom Sior dress in turquoise while wearing the Lunarian Turquoise Parure which is on loan to her from the Crown Princess of Lunaria, HRH Crown Princess Minerva. HIH Princess Maria Aisha was seen wearing a red off the shoulder number from Alexander Patel alongside the Aurelian rubies, a necklace belonging to her great grandmother and last seen on her aunt, HM Queen Marie Christine of the Scots.

The Duke of Rothsey spoke on the close relationship that Scotland and Pierreland have had over the centuries, brought closer through familial ties. He thanked his uncle and aunt for their hospitality and their warmth on making this trip a smooth transition from honeymoon to work.

The Emperor also spoke of the two countries close ties, and offered his congratulations to the newlyweds. He spoke of his hopes for the future of the alliance and that he hopes it should strengthen through the generations.

[hippolotamus]

Hi good morning my love I just wanted to remind you that you're amazing, you're beautiful, you're talented, you're hilarious, you're kind, you're compassionate and you're worth the whole damn world.

I'm so glad I met you and you stuck around, and then we got MARRIED. This is totally still the honeymoon phase. Hope you have a great day today!! 🥰

I am blushing and smiling like an idiot over all of your lovely words dear husband ☺️

Trust me, it is I who am glad you stuck around. For making me laugh and cringe and be all insane about whatever Lou or Oliver are causing chaos with atm. For pictures and videos of HRH King Eddie. For listening to me bitch and whine and also trusting me to listen to your woes.

It is obviously very much the honeymoon phase and we are ridiculously in love and will do anything for each other (especially when praise phrased correctly 😏)

Bless you for this ridiculously nice ask

^ me scrunching your cute lil face

[simshousewindsor]

The first State Banquet of the year hosted by King George took place this evening at Buckingsim Palace. The royal family welcomed South Marvania's President Mandela Ofoluwah and wife, First Lady Sawubeni. 

Following an official ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade earlier in the day, the president was treated to a formal banquet in the Buckingsim Palace ballroom at 8 p.m.

In addition to King George and Queen Rowena, in attendance at the State Banquet this evening were the Duke and Duchess of Brindleton Bay, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and the Earl and Countess of Boykins.

President Ofoluwah chatted with King George, as the two walked into the State Banquet side-by-side.

Behind King George, Queen Rowena walked in with First Lady Sawubeni.

The Duchess of Brindleton Bay followed, chatting with Windenburg Prime Minister, Linwood Keller.

Danielle Keller, wife of Prime Minister Keller, was escorted by the Duke of Brindleton Bay. The Duke of Kent followed with Windenburg’s Ambassador to South Marvania, Samuel Armstead.

The Duchess of Kent walked in with Windenburg’s Minister of Treasury, Rt. Hon. James Birch.

The Countess of Boykins looked elegant in a tan gown and the Art Deco Bandeau Tiara, which she wore for the first time. HRH was joined by her husband, Anthony, Earl of Boykins. This was the newlyweds first royal engagement since returning from their honeymoon.

King George presided over every detail, from the seating plan to the menu.

Guests were seated in a horseshoe shape at the banquet. King George felt the layout would offer a more social atmosphere.

Buckingsim Palace also shared photos of the banquet, where the Duchess of Brindleton Bay was seated between the Prime Minister and President Ofoluwah.

King George opened with a toast, where he reflected on the two countries closeness. Most notable was His Majesty’s closing statement, saying: 

“Today, the links between our countries run deep, with extensive family, professional and cultural ties. Mr. President, your Visit offers an opportunity for us to chart a path forward together, investing in each other’s potential, and facing the challenges of our world together, as partners, and as friends, striving for equality, justice and fairness for all Sims.”

The evening ended with a private concert inside Buckingsim Palace’s Music Room featuring South Marvanian singer, Kafari Ngozu.

[albanyroyals]

Deveraux Palace Announces the Birth of Twins

Deveraux Palace officially announced the birth of Her Majesty Queen Irene's twin children on the Prince Consort's official Twitter account this morning. The twins were reportedly born at 2 a.m. this morning, but Deveraux Palace has decided to make the announcement later in the morning. The Prince Consort's Twitter account posted a photo of him and the young queen on their honeymoon after they married.

The births of her second and third grandchildren delighted the Queen Mother. Both of Queen Irene's children were given the titles Prince and Princess of Albany, as is customary. HRH status is conferred on the young Prince and Princess. Deveraux Palace has officially released the names of the newborns, which are Percival Archer Adamson-Deveraux and Thraia Gabriella Adamson-Deveraux, with the consent of the Queen and the Prince Consort. The eldest twin being His Royal Highness Prince Percival.

Albany comes together to celebrate the young Prince and Princess's birth!

[grandmaster-anne]

ELIZABETH of GLAMIS

By Roddy Martine | Published 20 August 2021

On an overnight visit to Glamis Castle in the early 19th century, Sir Walter Scott wrote, “I began to consider myself as too far from the living and somewhat too near the dead.”

No such thoughts troubled the future bride of King George VI, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, for whom Glamis Castle with its bulky towers and turrets was her much beloved family home. In common with other scions of the old Scottish aristocracy, her parents also owned properties in England, notably in London and at St Paul’s Walden Bury in Hertfordshire, but it was amid the straths of the Angus countryside that the young Lady Elizabeth spent her happiest formative years.

While attending a charity garden party in the grounds at Glamis, an old woman informed her that when she grew up, she would become Queen of England. “In that case,” said the seven-year-old Elizabeth to her governess, “The laws of England will have to be changed!”.

When war was declared against Germany on 4 August 1914, coincidentally the day of Elizabeth’s 14th birthday, the 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne decided to relocate his Countess and 10 children more permanently to Scotland. Soon after their arrival, Glamis Castle, in common with other great UK country houses, was requisitioned as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers.

The family nevertheless remained in their private quarters but soon after, a serious fire broke out. On seeing the smoke, it was the 16-year-old Elizabeth who raised the alarm and who is largely credited with securing the rescue of the castle’s contents.

Those were difficult times for the close-knit Bowes-Lyon family. Four brothers enlisted in the army and Elizabeth’s eldest brother Fergus, an officer in the Black Watch, was killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915. Another brother, Michael, was reported missing, but later discovered to have been a prisoner-of-war.

However, amid the green rolling countryside and big skies of Scotland’s northeast coast, the troubles of the world were kept at a distance. Aside from volunteering as a nurse, Elizabeth was able to enjoy all of her favourite country pursuits, such as riding and fishing for trout and salmon, at which she excelled. The Italian Garden, with its raised terrace set between two small gazebos to the east of the castle, was laid out by her mother, Countess Cecilia, to designs by Arthur Castings. It was from this example that her daughter inherited a love of plants, which in later life she introduced at Clarence House, Birkhall and Castle of Mey.

And it was in Scotland that the young Elizabeth socialised with nearby landed families, notably the children of King George V when on holiday at Balmoral. In 1922, she was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Mary.

Following their wedding in 1923, she and the then Duke of York chose Glamis Castle as one of their honeymoon locations, and it was here that their second daughter, HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was born in 1930, becoming the first royal baby in direct line to the throne of the United Kingdom to be born in Scotland for 300 years.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother clearly loved Glamis and at an official ceremony in 2008, her grandson, the Duke of Rothesay, officially named the specially designed wrought-iron entrance gates to the one-mile front drive, The Queen Mother Memorial Gates.

Show me a Scot who does not revere his or her ancestral roots. Descent from the royal line of Stewart was important to Elizabeth of Glamis, and throughout her long life she retained a deep emotional attachment to the land of her ancestors. Once, when approached at a reception by a South African who informed her that he detested the English, she replied. “Oh, I do so understand. You see I am Scottish.”

Long before it became a hunting lodge, Glamis had been a religious retreat for the Irish Christian missionary Saint Fergus. One thousand years ago it was among the territorial titles held by the much-maligned Macbeth, Mormaer of Moray, and she was well aware of that.

The de Lyons family from Upper Normandy, were originally followers of William the Conqueror when he invaded England in 1066. In a future generation, family members arrived in Scotland where they were given Charters of Land at Forteviot and Forgandenny in Perthshire. Succeeding generations prospered and in 1376, Glamis was a gift from King Robert II to Sir John Lyon of Forteviot, Lord Chancellor of Scotland, when he married the King’s daughter Princess Joanna.

Another royal connection followed when Sir John’s son married his cousin Lady Elizabeth Graham, a great granddaughter of King Robert.

Politics and power dominated medieval Scotland and in the 16th century, out of jealousy directed at the powerful Douglas family, King James V accused Janet Douglas, wife of the 6th Lord Glamis, of witchcraft. The estate of Glamis was confiscated by the Crown and the unfortunate Lady Glamis was burned at the stake on Castle Hill in Edinburgh in 1537. The King even took up residence in the castle until his death in 1542, after which the vandalised property was handed back to the family.

Such incidents linger long in the Scottish psyche, and it says a lot for the 7th Lord Glamis that he was prepared to serve under the regents Morton and Lennox, and, like his ancestor, he too became Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He even invited Mary, Queen of Scots to stay at Glamis in August 1562.

In 1603, the 9th Lord Glamis, Captain of the Royal Guard to James VI, accompanied the King to London when James became King of England, and was created Earl of Kinghorne in 1606. His son unfortunately backed the wrong side during the religious wars and Glamis was occupied by Cromwell’s soldiers in 1650.

With debts of £40,000, the 3rd Earl of Kinghorne restored the situation and created the West Wing (to his own design) and turned the old hall into a spectacular vaulted Drawing Room. In 1677, he acquired a new patent for his peerage which enabled him to style himself Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne.

The 4th Earl had seven sons. Four predeceased him and the surviving four brothers were each to succeed in turn. The 5th Earl supported the Jacobite Cause and was killed at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715; Charles, 6th Earl entertained the exiled Old Pretender and was subsequently killed in a local skirmish in Forfar.

Then came financial salvation in 1767 when the 9th Earl married the 18-year-old Mary Eleanor Bowes, heiress to a substantial coal fortune in County Durham. To acknowledge this union, their son, the 10th Earl, hyphenated the Bowes surname with that of Lyon and quartered the family arms.

A five-acre walled garden was created in 1866 to provide vegetables, fruit and flowers. The servants’ quarters beyond the east wing were refaced and a Dutch garden created in front of the castle. Further interior improvements were introduced by Mary, wife of the 17th Earl, when her husband inherited the estate from his cousin in 1972.

A remarkable lady, her sense of style became apparent throughout. She confesses that when first married, the castle did not charm her at all, but afterwards her attitude completely changed and the Glamis which passed on to her son remains the much-loved family home it is today.

Simon, 19th Earl, inherited the estate and titles from his father in 2016. By then, the castle’s popularity as a visitor destination and working estate was well established. There are 4,000 acres of arable and commercial cattle farming, and 100 domestic houses let out to residential tenants. The castle annually hosts exhibitions, large-scale events, concerts and theatrical performances.

The gardens are beautifully maintained and include ‘The Macbeth Trail’, which sets out to explain the links with William Shakespeare’s iconic Scottish play of which there are several. Glamis had been one of the territorial titles held by the much-maligned Macbeth, Mormaer of Moray, while the battle of succession of Malcolm II’s three daughters after the king died at Glamis, was the inspiration behind the interplay of William Shakespeare’s highly partisan Scottish play, written in the 16th century.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Just 12 miles north of Dundee, 28 miles northeast of Perth and 50 miles southwest of Aberdeen, there are lots of travel options for visiting Glamis and there is even a direct bus service from Dundee to the castle. Guests can also stay in Glamis House, which sits on the estate and provides luxury self-catering accommodation with four en-suite bedrooms and one single bedroom. glamis-castle.co.uk 

[aristocraticvision]

Chapter 115: Beauty & Grief

Stephen found Elizabeth on the beach, staring out at the clear waters. They had arrived late the night before, and Stephen had allowed himself to sleep in.

“Good morning,” Elizabeth said, without turning around.

“Wow,” Stephen said, looking around. “This is amazing.”

“Isn’t it?” Elizabeth replied. “Be sure to thank the emperor again for his generosity.”

“I will,” he said. “The Coraline Islands may be a Torenthian protectorate, but I have to say, Weston may have to invade just so we can have them to ourselves.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Oh god! I knew marrying a prince would be an adjustment, but the fact you just said that really brings it all into focus.”

Stephen laughed.

“Okay, so I’ll drop the military campaign and just enjoy the view, okay?” he said.

“And what a view it is,” Elizabeth replied, sitting upright. “I just wish we could stay longer.”

“We can if you’d like to,” Stephen said, nodding to dismiss the servant who stood waiting with champagne. “But you insisted on getting back so we could welcome our new daughter sooner rather than later.”

“I know,” Elizabeth said. “And I can’t wait to be a mother to Stephanie ….”

“But?”

“But so much as happened, Stephen,” she said, rising and taking a few steps down the beach. “Standing here, I can almost pretend that it didn’t.”

Stephen nodded.

“Almost,” he said. “But it did happen, Beth. And somehow, we’re both going to have to find a way to accept it.”

“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “He’s gone.”

“Yes, he is,” he said.

Elizabeth smiled, weakly.

“I don’t even know for sure that it was a boy,” she said. “It’s just that I saw ….”

“I know, my love,” Stephen said, taking her into his arms and touching her cheek. “And that’s good enough for me. Besides, I’d rather mourn someone specific than the ‘idea’ of someone.”

“I’ll never forget his face,” Elizabeth said, breaking. “It was so full of hatred.”

“Now that part, I don’t believe,” Stephen said. “I think that was just your guilt talking.”

“Maybe,” she said. “Okay, probably. But it was so real, Stephen.”

“After everything you’d just been through – everything you’d seen – I don’t doubt that,” Stephen said. “But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you did everything you could to protect that child. It just wasn’t to be.”

Elizabeth reached around Stephen’s neck to pull him closer.

“Now,” he said. “Let’s talk of happier things. Like our new daughter, Stephanie, who will be joining us in a matter of days. Or our marriage, which I promise will be long and happy. We have so much to be thankful for, Beth.”

“I know,” she said. “But for now – at this moment – let’s just take the time to mourn what could have been.”

Stephen nodded, his own eyes filling with tears.

“Very well,” he said, pulling away. “But you’re going to have to help me. I’m afraid that, once I let myself really feel the loss, I’ll never come back from it.”

It was Elizabeth’s turn to reach for him.

“We’ll bring each other back,” she said. “I promise.”

BEGINNING | PREV | NEXT

Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth

[seb-writess]

FSOTUS AND HRH PRINCE OF WALES: TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

Pairings: Henry/Alex (Red, White and Royal Blue)

Tags: Rated teen

Summary: Henry and Alex are in the press. Again. This time for an argument they never had but they're saying may be the end of their newly budding romance. Zahra gives them a simple command. Fix it; control the narrative.

Status: Complete (5,900 words)

Preview:

This isn’t the first time their relationship has been questioned; it’s been questioned by anyone and everyone since day one, but it doesn’t mean he’s not exhausted by the press coverage.

“Henry!” Alex calls from the couch.  He hears a hum of acknowledgement coming from the kitchen.  “We’re fighting again!”

“Oh?”  Henry walks into the room, hands Alex his mug of coffee, and then pushes Alex’s hair out of his face to place a fond kiss on his forehead.  Alex revels in the way Henry’s hand is still warm from carrying the mug.  “What about this time?”  

Henry takes his time situating himself on the couch beside Alex.  His pyjama bottoms are rumpled, his hair is in weekend mode (casually messy in a way Alex loves), and he presses his warm self to Alex’s side while sticking his slippered feet up on the coffee table.  The picture of relaxation.  He sips his tea, waiting for Alex to reply.

He offers a smirk over the rim of his mug when Alex shows him the article.

“Of course they manage to photograph that.  Honestly though, those sunglasses really are God-awful, love.”  He’s still smiling as he says it, moderately amused.  

It’s a cute smile.

“Well, you heard them!  Honeymoon phase officially over.  Guess we’ll end it here.”

“Finally!” Henry makes a show of letting out an exhausted sigh.  “Good show then.  We put up the good fight, but as all goods thing do, it must come to an end.”

Alex drops his phone into the couch cushions and holds out his free hand for Henry to shake.  “Lovely time we had together.  Better luck next time?”

Henry takes Alex’s hand and shakes it firmly, like Alex has seen him do so coldly to so many aristocrats before him.  “No hard feelings then.”

They’re grinning, snickering, but their hands don’t separate.  Alex uses it to draw Henry in and kisses him fully on the lips.  Henry kisses back, still smiling.

“Nice try,” Alex is still smiling himself.  He can’t seem to shake it.  He’s had a hard time shaking any of his smiles recently, despite what the press might choose to print.  “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

“I’d say that’s an even better arrangement,” Henry agrees, and kisses Alex some more.

READ UNDER THE CUT

The headline flashes at him from twitter’s trending page.

FSOTUS and HRH PRINCE OF WALES: TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

Under the headline sits a photo of them, their scowling faces sharply in focus, scowls that are aimed at each other.  Alex has his sunglasses on, but the telltale tightness of his mouth is a dead give away.  Henry’s mouth is open, teeth flashing, caught saying something that makes his brows draw together.  Alex is pointing an accusatory finger at Henry’s chest.

The article itself reads:

FSOTUS, Alex Clairmont-Diaz and His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales, were recently spotted having what sources are saying goes far beyond a mere lover’s quarrel.  Having formally announced their relationship, and Clairmont’s courtship, only months earlier, it’s nerve wracking to see the stress of public duties already weighing hard on the boys’ shoulders.  

This isn’t the first time they’ve been caught coming to a head in the public eye, and we’re already wondering if the honeymoon phase is over for these two figureheads.  Time will tell if they manage to push each other over the edge, resulting in a love that died before it could begin.  Hopefully, they can do it while avoiding another international scandal.

It’s too early in the morning to be seeing red, so Alex just closes his eyes and counts to ten in his head.  He lets out a long sigh through his nose as he does.  He glares at the photo some more, at the headline, at the words on his phone.  

This isn’t the first time their relationship has been questioned; it’s been questioned by anyone and everyone since day one, but it doesn’t mean he’s not exhausted by the press coverage.

“Henry!” Alex calls from the couch.  He hears a hum of acknowledgement coming from the kitchen.  “We’re fighting again!”

“Oh?”  Henry walks into the room, hands Alex his mug of coffee, and then pushes Alex’s hair out of his face to place a fond kiss on his forehead.  Alex revels in the way Henry’s hand is still warm from carrying the mug.  “What about this time?”  

Henry takes his time situating himself on the couch beside Alex.  His pyjama bottoms are rumpled, his hair is in weekend mode (casually messy in a way Alex loves), and he presses his warm self to Alex’s side while sticking his slippered feet up on the coffee table.  The picture of relaxation.  He sips his tea, waiting for Alex to reply.

He offers a smirk over the rim of his mug when Alex shows him the article.

“Of course they manage to photograph that.  Honestly though, those sunglasses really are God-awful, love.”  He’s still smiling as he says it, moderately amused.  

It’s a cute smile.

“Well, you heard them!  Honeymoon phase officially over.  Guess we’ll end it here.”

“Finally!” Henry makes a show of letting out an exhausted sigh.  “Good show then.  We put up the good fight, but as all goods thing do, it must come to an end.”

Alex drops his phone into the couch cushions and holds out his free hand for Henry to shake.  “Lovely time we had together.  Better luck next time?”

Henry takes Alex’s hand and shakes it firmly, like Alex has seen him do so coldly to so many aristocrats before him.  “No hard feelings then.”

They’re grinning, snickering, but their hands don’t separate.  Alex uses it to draw Henry in and kisses him fully on the lips.  Henry kisses back, still smiling.

“Nice try,” Alex is still smiling himself.  He can’t seem to shake it.  He’s had a hard time shaking any of his smiles recently, despite what the press might choose to print.  “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

“I’d say that’s an even better arrangement,” Henry agrees, and kisses Alex some more.

Alex hums.  Trust Henry to take the frustration he might have felt moments earlier, and turn it into a game.  A fun joke.  Something not worth worrying over, as their time in the press hardly ever is.  Something he can, instead, press to Henry’s lips and swipe away with his tongue while he absorbs Henry’s contented sighs into his skin.  The taste of the honey from his tea is sweet and addictive on his bottom lip.

They’re interrupted when Alex’s phone starts ringing.  He barely has time to answer with a hi, how’s your weekend going?

“Fix this!” Zahra’s voice comes in ahead of him.  Alex still feels the giggles of his joke with Henry bubbling under his lips, but he feels Zahra wouldn’t appreciate their sense of humour in this moment.

“Zahra, it’s just babble.  Henry and I aren’t fighting.  We weren’t even fighting then!  Worse has been said about us.”

“And, if you recall, all those worse things turned out to be true!”

Alex rolls his eyes.  “Hey, the sex scandal thing wasn’t our fault!  None of us liked having our private e-mails leaked for the world to see.”

“But it was a true sex scandal!  None of it was false.”

“Okay.  That and what else?”

“Please don’t tell me I have to remind you about the wedding cake?”

Alex blanches.  “I mean, we were rivals.  At the time.”

“Exactly.  And at the time, that’s what they chose to print about you!”

Alex has to take the phone away from his ear before Zahra bursts his ear drum, but he does concede.  She has a point.  

The article does point out how new their relationship is.  Well, new to the public, and public figures they are, who need to set an example.  Despite it being kind of unfair the example they were already setting had been squandered and marked because of one snide comment Henry made about his accessory choices.  Alex would bet good tax-payer money there were a million other photos of them from that day.  Photos of them in a pastry shop, huddled together while they looked through the display cases and chose desserts for the other to try.  Photos of them walking through the park, hands clasped together, sun rays hitting Henry’s golden hair so perfectly it looked like a halo.  Alex pointing this out, Henry pulling him in for a kiss and calling him a suck up against his skin.

“What do you want us to do?  Go out on another date?  Wait.” Alex doesn’t know why he’s saying this like it’s a chore.  Henry frowns at Alex’s side of the conversation. “They’ll take as many photos as they want and still choose to print the one where I insult Henry’s shoes, or joke about pushing him into traffic.”

Henry’s frown turns into a laugh.

“Then control the narrative!  Don’t give them anything like that to photograph!”  Alex opens his mouth to argue, but she knows him too well to let him talk over her.  “You will!  Good lord, I’m not coming off my weekend to fix your mess!”

“What?!  You mean you don’t wanna see us and catch up over-“

She hangs up.

Alex chuckles to himself as he puts his phone down and settles back into the couch cushions beside Henry.

“She told us to ‘control the narrative’.  Whatever that means.”

Henry hums.  “Would that we could.  If anyone knew how to ‘control the narrative’ around those asshole paparazzi, there’d never be anything for page six to print.”

Alex sighs, frustrated, Henry’s words ringing true.  For all their excuses that are completely true, Zahra is also right.  To the public, their relationship is tentative at best, and balancing on the pin prick of a needle point.  They have support, yes, but as much as they love the inspiration they’ve given and the history, huh movement, it’s the voice of the bigots that shout the loudest.  As much as Alex would love to live in a fair world where they don’t have to bend over backwards to play their game, it’s not a fair world.  

So, time to bend over backwards.

—-

It’s June who comes up with the plan, because of course it’s her.

She was the one who came up with the idea to fake-date Henry when even the mere speculation of him out with Alex was enough to cause both their families to collectively lose their shit.  She’s an evil genius, and Alex is once again grateful to have her on his side.

“A ring light, June?  Really?” He scowls at the contraption June brought over.  

“Yes, Alex, a ring light,” she grumbles in reply as she finishes setting it up and plugging it in.  “These can’t just be your regular instagram posts.  They have to look good.  They have to be something the press will want to repost, to draw attention to.  As interesting as the dozens of pictures of your latte art is, you’re not exactly anyone’s favourite influencer.”

Alex shoots Henry a look, who’s looking back at him with a and thank God for that in his smile.

“And this is on loan, so don’t break it!” She finishes.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He already has, but that’s a secret for him to keep.

June finishes walking Alex through the basics of how to use it, then leaves in a swirl of designer perfume and a clack of her heels.

Alex and Henry follow her out moments after, to enact the first part of their plan.

“I know she’s right,” Henry is saying as he locks the door of their brownstone behind them.  “But this still feels like too much.”

Alex sighs, but loops his arm around Henry’s shoulders and kisses his hair.  Somewhere, he can already feel the pin pricks of eyes on them.  An eager out-of-luck photographer who thinks he finally found some good luck in their bad luck.  “Agreed, but I’m thinking too much is exactly what Zahra was going for.”

They make off down the street, linking arms when Alex’s arm gets too tired to keep around Henry’s shoulders, movie star worthy grins plastered on their faces.

It’s not that it’s a bad day, because no day where he gets to walk around the city with a prince on his arm could ever be considered so, but he knows they both feel the fabrication of it.  

The way Henry laughs too hard at Alex’s jokes, patting Alex’s shoulder so unnaturally, fingers trailing down his arm too casually.  Alex is sure to request a table on the outside when they find a cafe to eat at, closest to the street, closest to the public eye.  Henry looks a picture of ease, grinning at Alex over his food while they talk about anything and nothing.  Alex can see the rigidity in his shoulders though, the actor in him out on full display as he acts like he loves Alex.  

It makes him feel dirty.  They’ve been through this and come out the other side, the crown accepting (read: tolerant) of their relationship.  His mother speaking for them and outwardly showing her support.  They shouldn’t have to pretend for the cameras anymore.

They certainly shouldn’t have to pretend to love each other as much as they do, but for some reason, subtle looks and gentle touches of fingers just isn’t juicy enough for the press, and they’d rather print the few times they’ve ever even come close to arguing in public.

Which, Alex recognises, does no good for their public image.  Alex is meant to be courting Henry after all.

Henry’s shoe nudges his leg under the table, catching Alex’s attention.  Henry’s smile is all teeth and cold eyes; the kind of look he used to wear when the public assumed he was straight, and he had to assume he would keep it that way.

“You alright, love?” His words, however, are laced with the love Alex fights to come home to everyday.

“Of course,” Alex grins back, leaning toward Henry like he can’t be close enough to him.  Which is usually true.  He hates that he has to make it look so unnatural, so exaggerated.  Is this how broadway actors feel?

Henry’s blue eyes sparkle, reading Alex as the clear open book he is.  “It’s almost over.”

“Never thought I’d be happy to hear those words on a date with you.”

This earns him a smile.  It’s almost a real one.

“As much as it pains me to have to force myself to act like I like you, this is still leagues better than pretending to date your sister.  No offence.”

“None taken,” Alex says.  He tips his head back and shakes his shoulders like Henry said something particularly funny.  “I suppose you’re right.  This is definitely a step up from being photographed in the back of what is meant to be a private vehicle.”

Henry leans in close, words hot on Alex’s ear.  “And if you recall, we were doing something far smutier in the back of said private vehicle.”

Alex laughs at the memory.  A real laugh.  It feels good to break character.

That photo, that moment, is kind of tainted for them both.  It lead them here, to having permission to be out in public in the first place, but Alex will never forgive whichever bastard printed that photo for forcing Henry out of the closet against his will, before he was ready.  No one deserves that.

When they’re finished eating and Henry has wiped Alex’s lips clean delicately (as opposed to the wild and playful scrubbing he normally partakes in), Henry pulls Alex around the back of the restaurant, into a darkened corner.  He presses himself against the wall and asks with his hands for Alex to do the same.

Alex does, chest aligning with Henry’s, and feels the most genuine he has all day.

“It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t give them something else to talk about,” Henry whispers.  Alex’s fake smile is wiped off his face for the one he shows to Henry when he’s said something genius that makes his heart swell in his chest.  Which is most of the things he says.

“Something a little dirty?”

“Just a hint.” Henry kisses him in full.  It sets Alex’s world on fire, and he gets ready to burn.

—

They don’t spend long making out in the alley behind the restaurant, mostly because Alex really wants to continue it in their home.  Horizontally, where he can get under Henry’s suit then get under his skin.  

They’re sure to finish their outing like they did last time; a stroll through the park under the rays of the sun that puts that halo back on Henry’s head.

“You still look like an angel, Wales,” Alex says, frown on his features.

Henry catches his look, and matches his expression.  They’re both thinking it.  Time for the grand finale.

“Yet you make a devil of me, Texas,” his eyes are sharp and his words are exaggerated, almost like he’s spitting an insult.

Alex spreads his arms and rolls his eyes.  It’s a good way to release the frustration he feels at the situation, and not at Henry.  “Want to keep watching Our Flag Means Death when we get home?”

“Of course I do!”  Henry rounds on him and jabs a finger into his chest.  “I was also thinking Indian food for dinner.”

Alex swats his hand away.  “Sounds perfect.”

Then Henry is taking Alex’s shoulders, stepping close to him, now wearing a staged apologetic look.

“Pez will be in town this week.  He wants to catch up.”

Alex heaves a giant sigh, one far bigger than he’d ever do naturally.  “June will still be here, we can make an outing of it.  I might be able to get Nora on board.”

Henry nods, looking forlorn, which he never looks. He can look tired and caged and panicked, but Alex would never describe any of his looks as forlorn.

“Can you pick up some milk on your way home tomorrow?” Henry asks, placing a peck on Alex’s lips, an apology for a fight they never had.  Alex takes longer than usual to let his annoyance slip from his features, before encircling Henry’s waist in his arms.

“Sure, babe.” 

They finish the whole act with Alex pressing a soft kiss to Henry’s temple.  

—-

Thankfully, Henry had been paying attention when June instructed them on the ring light, and masters the art of staging their lighting with little trouble. Now for the tricky part.  They have to make this photo personal, warm, the total opposite of staged.

Alex has photos of them he took himself all over his instagram.  Them at the beach, when it had been windier than anyone had anticipated, so they huddled together under the same towel.  There was a great artistic shot of Henry in the markets, perusing all the hand-woven bracelets, his eyes looking in wonder at the intricate designs.  But this has to be a specific kind of set up.

“Okay.  I think I got it.”  Alex watches Henry finish playing with the height of the contraption and sits by Alex on the couch.  June even gave them a remote controller so they wouldn’t have to keep getting up to set the timer.

Henry is rigid beside Alex, hands clenched on his knees.  Alex touches his thigh, a silent question.  Henry turns to him.

“We’ve been acting for the camera all day and suddenly I don’t know how,” he says stiffly, trying to laugh it off.  Alex gives him a comforting smile.

“Maybe because this is our home,” Alex replies.  “It’s the one place we shouldn’t have to act.  It feels weird doing it here.”

Henry’s eyes flicker away from Alex’s face, then back up.  He licks his lips nervously.

“I mean, this is also the photo we need to be real.  So-“

“So, maybe…”

“I mean, if you want-“

“We could just-“

They cut each other off, wait for the other to continue, then erupt into giggles in the silence.

“Let’s just be us,” Alex says what they’re both thinking.  “If Zahra has a field day, we can tell her we were following the assignment.”

“Controlling the narrative.”

So Henry kicks his shoes off, slips his jacket from his shoulders and throws it over the arm of the couch.  Alex runs a hand through his hair, the curls falling out of the perfect style it had been trapped in all day.  Then Henry is settled beside him, pressed against the entire length of Alex, hand delicately placed on his thigh.  Alex’s fingers play with the strands at the back of Henry’s scalp.  It’s growing a little long.  Henry is due for a haircut.

They pose a few times, realising they’re still too stilted, before finally throwing any caution left out the window, and Henry all but ends up in Alex’s lap.  Alex takes a few photos for themselves, while they have June’s equipment and can make use of it.  Then it ends in hysteria as Alex tickles Henry silly.  As Henry holds Alex still and blows a raspberry into his collarbone.  They order their food and take turns making excessively loud moaning noises while one feeds the other.

It’s a stupid way to spend their afternoon; Alex wouldn’t have it any other way.

—-

As expected, Alex wakes up the next day to their relationship status trending on twitter once again.  Their park side ‘argument’ worked like a charm.  Despite their whole day being lovely and polite and, dare he say it, picture perfect, it’s the photo of Henry’s finger in Alex’s chest, scowl twisting his face, that makes it to the internet.  Right under a flashy new headline.

FSOTUS AND HRH PRINCE OF WALES CAN’T KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF EACH OTHER: IN THE WORST WAY POSSIBLE

Henry reads the article over Alex’s shoulder, pressing kisses to his bare skin every now and again.  Henry had woken up feeling delightfully sore, and Alex is savouring how warm Henry’s naked body is pressed to his.

“Oh?  The comments are starting already,” Henry points out.

Sure enough, a slew of their best defenders are already giving the article hell.

They had posted multiple photos from their little shoot last night, Henry insisting that’s what Alex would do normally, and it feels the most unstaged to do it again.  One look at those photos and anyone could see, there’s nothing staged about them.

They ended up using the raspberry one.  Somehow, it wasn’t too suggestive for Alex’s feed.  A goofy one from their dinner, Alex choking on the naan bread in his mouth as Henry tells him a funny anecdote.  The last one, the one they agreed is both their favourite, captured that moment from the very beginning.  Henry looking so fondly at Alex, it’s no wonder he has an entire reddit thread titled Imagine HRH Prince Henry As Your Boyfriend, full of fictional scenarios dedicated to doing just that.  His hand light on Alex’s thigh, Alex transfixed with Henry and his smile and his hair.  It warms them both to look at, and felt right to share.

This is the photo the internet is using now.  Calling the tabloid website a liar, amongst a plethora of other names that would have Ellen grounding Alex for the first time since he was fourteen were he ever to use them outloud.  They repost their photo, just as expected, again and again and again, followed by tweets reading:

They’re clearly happy?  How does this article prove anything?

And:

Look!  They’re wearing the same clothes!  These guys clearly don’t know what they’re talking about!

And also:

I saw them at a cafe this same day!  They had nothing but heart eyes for each other.  Bets on Henry was just swatting dust off Alex’s shirt!

It had all worked like a charm.  Staging a date where the public would see, an argument the press could never resist covering, followed by photos sourced directly from their own social media accounts, all coming together in an elaborate cocktail of us versus them.

With the paparazzi photos and version of events so easily and embarrassingly disproved, it’ll be a while before the tabloids would go intentionally poking holes in their relationship to cause a stir.

Alex grins to himself, linking June to the thread, along with his gratitude and continuous reassurance she’s the evil genius he’s glad to have as a sister.

Control the narrative they did. 

“Zahra happy?” Henry asks, having stopped reading in preference for pressing his face fully into the crook of Alex’s neck.  

“Mm, it’s still the weekend.  We’ll find out Monday.”

“I suppose if she weren’t, she’d make it known before then.”

Alex scoffs, phone forgotten as he maneuvers their bodies so Alex can roll on top of his boyfriend and give him the heaviest kiss he can manage.  Henry kisses back, hungry and needy and wanting.  Alex groans.  Henry sighs.

Perfect and happy and warm.  

Their fingers link.  Alex presses Henry’s entire body into the mattress with his own.

“Wanna ‘control the narrative’ a little more?” Henry asks, voice full of something deep and carnal.  Alex growls against his throat.

[bridgeportbritt]

HRH Crown Princess Diana Sets off on a solo World Tour to Help Streghten Foreign Ties

After an eventful wedding and hopefully relaxing honeymoon, The Crown Princess is back to work! The Princess sets off on a 4-leg world tour visiting allied countries along the way. We’re following along to see how the Crown Princess fares on her first solo tour since being confirmed as the next Queen.

Mt. Komorebi

The first stop on Diana’s world tour is the beautiful Mt. Komorebi. This is not the Princess’ first time in the country. She visited on her last world tour and met with the Imperial Family. Diana was also here recently on her honeymoon with the Duke of Sage. We’ve yet to see photos, but we’re sure it’s safe to say that she enjoys the country!

The Komorebi Imperial family is very big on physical fitness and becoming one with nature. So they invited Diana on a hike to the Cave Shrine. The Princess was joined by HIM Emperor Eisaku and HIM Empress Yumeno. Their son, Prince Aito, and ambassador, Etsuko Ashiro. The Princess wore an athletic outfit created by Komorebi designer, Naori Nishidake.

The group posed for a photo opportunity at the shrine. It was nice to see the Princess out and being active! Her new husband is currently in SimDonia beginning his collaboration with the Forever Fit charity, so perhaps the entire Royal Family is making this a focus!

Sulani

Next, Diana spent some time in sunny Sulani! The Sulani Royal Family entered the union with the desire to be seen as more of a political force. While travel and leisure are important in the country, the Royal Family’s top priority is the well-being of the people who live there. 

Princess Diana wore an outfit styled by Sulani designer, Lia Hauata. The pink and red crop top complimented her pink lei. The top was paired with an asymetrical floral pink skirt. The Princess also looked lovely with her curly hair! The Princess was joined by Ambassador Kent, King and Queen, and their daugher.

The Royal Family treated HRH to a lovely traditional Sulani State Dinner. Nothing beats eating outside with the sound of the waves nearby!

El Selvadorada

The Princess’ next stop is SimDonia’s latest ally, El Selvadorada. We’re sure the Princess is tasked with welcoming the country into this new union. The Royal family host a special museum tour for the Princess. In attendance is King Jose, Queen Aliesha, their children, Prince Eugenio and Princess Marisa, and the Princess Royal Katalina. They were also joined by the Duchess of Umbrage’s son, Grayson, who has recently accepted the ambassador position. 

The museum director along with the Royal Family, Crown Princess and Grayson pose for a photo op. HRH wears a black dress with an authentic El Selvadorada teal print on the top. Interestingly, the Princess wears a white belt around her midsection which is not a common style for her. But, she looks great!

Inside the museum, the Princess is shown many historical artifacts by HRH King Jose himself. It was difficult to focus on anything other than Diana’s stomach. She looks slightly fuller and her belt seems as though it’s covering something. 

Simerica

The Princess spent a day in Simerica where she visited the White House. Diana visited Simerica during her last world tour, but did not meet with any political officials. We’re excited to see her meet with world leaders on this tour and represent SimDonia in a way that only she could!

Diana was greeted by President Barack Simbama and First Lady Michelle Simbama at the White House. The Princess was wearing a beige colored button up sleeveless trench coat dress, but it seems like this dress is causing a stir as the El Selvadorada dress has. Is that a bump we see on the Princess?

HRH recieved a tour of the White House and then stopped for a photo op with the President, First Lady, and Simerica Ambassador, Greg DeSilva. This trip solidifies the strong bonds between the two countries, but has caused an uptick of interest in the Princess’ personal life.

[hrhhouseofjackson]

ROYAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

The palace has released a series of portraits showcasing the marriage of HM Queen Amina to celebrate the wedding anniversary of the Royal Couple. The portraits include:

The Newly wed couple (then HRH Princess Amina & HRH Prince Ramsey) during their honeymoon tour, following their wedding.

Official Royal portrait released by the Palace (The Queen now a proud mother of three kids)

HM Queen Amina & HRH Prince Ramsey in a recent portrait captured at the Palace specifically for this occasion.

Signed,

The Royal House of Jackson

[joanofparadise]

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

Scotland State Visit BTS: Discrete Jealousy

Maria Aisha: Okay...so whose excited that our first state visit is Oli and Hortense

Magdalena [jokingly]: I still am surprised your Mama thinks you all are mature enough to handle this.

Louis: Ouch Mags...way to kick a man when he's down.

Maria Aisha: We're as shocked as you are.

Henri: It'd look weird if we weren't there...Louis's an adult supposedly and we're supposed to be somewhat close to adults...so yeah...

Magdalena: They should be back in the next 5 aparrently...

Louis: did you memorize the schedule or somethin?

Maria Aisha [teasing]: Is it cause somebody is excited for her boyfriend to come back?

Louis: Magnus is coming with them?

Magdalena [rolling her eyes]: Yes but also your Mama wants you all to be here to say hi to your cousins.

David: I'm glad that your honeymoon was secluded enough.

Hortense: the island is beautiful! I know Louis wants an Atoll in Polynesia but the Mediterranean is so much closer.

Magnus: Mo òran! (My song in Scottish Gaelic)

Magdalena [laughing]: Magnus! How are you love?

Magnus: Better now. How are you?

Maria Aisha: You should look a little less jealous brother...perhaps stop glaring at Magnus like he stole something from you.

Louis: I'm not-

Louis: I'm happy for Mags. She deserves to be happy-

Maria Aisha: just as long as you make her happy.

Maria Aisha: Don't deny it brother. I've seen the green-eyed monster take over many a person's face...and boy is it written all over yours. You...do think he stole something don't you?

Louis: Aisha...watch your damn mouth.

Maria Aisha: I'm going to take that as a yes.

Louis: That's not true-

Maria Aisha: Sure..whatever helps ya sleep at night bro.

Henri: Hot cocoa helps me sleep at night.

Maria Aisha: Henri...that wasn't for...nevermind...

Magnus: Ah, Oli! Hortense! I'd like to officially introduce you to Mo òran (My Song in Scottish Gaelic), HRH Princess Magdalena of Lunaria. Oli I believe you two know each other?

@simsroyallegacy

[alnwicks]

Royal Wedding Portraits Released!

Alnwick Palace has released four portraits following the marriage of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Philip. The portraits included two photos of the couple, one of their families and bridal party, and one of them with the flower girls and page boys.

The couple will depart for a week-long honeymoon in the islands of Sulani, where they will stay at a private villa in an exclusive resort. 

Beginning | Previous | Next

thank you to @sifix for the lovely dress meshes i was able to fuse together to create this one!

[thedevilliers]

ROYAL WEDDING, ARRIVALS — part 2

@wa-royal-tea @thealbionroyals @whitmoreroyals @evandiaroyals @royaltysimblr @officalroyalsofpierreland

transcript under the cut! (click pics for hq!) 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |

[PERSON 1] Arriving first, we have HRH Princess Genevieve of Windasia and HRH Crown Prince Alpheus! They are most definitely two good-looking cousins. [PERSON 2] Frederick genes, of course! Fashion-wise, he's wearing an uniform while Princess Genevieve matches a pastel pink dress with a fascinator with floral detail.

[PERSON 2] Next is HRH Princess Madeline of Albion! She's wearing a gorgeous patterned long gown with a pink fascinator. To everyone at home missing it, the dress has a slit and let me tell you all: it’s amazing and a sight to behold.

[PERSON 1] Following Princess Madeline we have HRH Crown Princess Emeline, Duchess of Edenhal and HRH Crown Prince Cedric, Duke of Edenhal. What a gorgeous couple, I'm personally loving the Duchess' mermaid style blue dress and her matching blue fascinator. They recently went to Sulani for their honeymoon, I’m jealous.

[PERSON 1] Continuing on with the matching theme, HRH Crown Prince Caleb of Evandia and HRH Crown Princess Valentina of Evandia both wearing pastel purple ensembles. We do love a matching couple here in Gardania and these two are doing an incredible job!

[PERSON 2] I'm starting to think guests caught on the rumor that pastels and especially purple are HRH Crown Princess Amelia's favorite colors, because Lady Margaret Wellington, Prince Harry's girlfriend, is wearing a lavender blue-ish dress with matching fascinator! [PERSON 1] Don't be pretentious, that's just lilac.

[PERSON 1] Moving on! We have another man in an uniform, and this time is HIM Emperor David I of Pierreland! I love the ruffles in his uniform, we don't see those often in Gardania!

[thepompandcircumstance]

Today marks the 73rd wedding anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The couple married in 20 November 1947 at the Westminster Abbey, a jubilation for the people of the Commonwealth after such perilous years of war.

The photographs were taken at Broadlands estate, Hampshire. The first was taken in 25 November 1947 for their honeymoon; the second photo for their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 18 November 2007.

[greekroyalfamily]

118 years since the wedding of HRH Prince Andreas of Greece and Denmark to HRH Princess Aliki of Battenberg in 06–10–1903

 

Princess Alice was considered to be the most beautiful princess in Europe. At the age of 17 she met Prince Andrew of Greece while in London for King Edward VII’s coronation. They were married in a civil service on 6 October 1903 at Darmstadt in the state of Hesse, Germany, followed by two religious services: one Lutheran and the other Greek Orthodox in the Russian Chapel. The bride and groom were both closely related to the ruling houses of the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Denmark and Greece. They settled in Athens, Greece, and Prince Andrew continued his career in the military while Princess Alice or Princess Andrew as she was also known as it was customary for a princess to take the name of her husband, became involved in charity work. The couple had four daughters and one son, Prince Phillip, who later married Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

Alice and Andrew on their religious wedding day in Darmstadt .

Bellow an article originally appeared in the New York Times on 8 Oct 1903

Darmstadt, Oct. 7

In the presence of a notable gathering, which included an Emperor, an Empress, a King, and two Queens, the marriage of Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andreas of Greece was celebrated today according to the rites of the Lutheran and Greek churches.

In the guest list was the bride’s aunts, uncles, and parents at the wedding Grand Duke Ernst of Hesse and by Rhine, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Princess Irene of Prussia, Prince Henry of Prussia, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna of Russia, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, Princess Louis of Battenberg, and Prince Louis of Battenberg

The wedding party, whose dresses and uniforms made a very effective spectacle, assembled at 3:30 in the old castle, and then crossed the castle yard to the castle church. Prince George of Greece with Princess Victoria led the procession, and they were followed by the Grand Duke of Hesse , with the Czarina [6]; the Czar , with Queen Alexandra the members of the Greek royal family, and finally Prince Louis of Battenberg , with his daughters, the Princesses Alice and Louise

The church was filled with diplomats, the local authorities, and the royal suites. The Protestant ceremony lasted three-quarters of an hour, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Dr. Petersen. The party then, amid the ringing of the famous chimes, drove in reverse order to the Greek chapel, a mile distant on the Mathildanhohe, where they were greeted by a large crowd. There the marriage ceremony was celebrated according to the Greek rites by Archpriest Janitcheff, a Russian choir performing the musical service. All then returned directly to the palace.

The bride wore white crepe de chine, with orange blossoms, and a bodice of Point de Venise lace

and wore the diamond tiara that may have been her wedding gift from her uncle and aunt,

and a diamond circle-and-star necklace that’s said to have been a wedding gift from her mother

Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia

Queen Alexandra was dressed in purple tulle, with sequins, and had a diamond diadem. The Czarina wore a gown of white tulle embroidered with silver, and wore a Russian diadem. The Queen of Greece was in gray satin.

A family dinner was held this evening, with forty-two covers. Afterward the wedded couple started in a motor car, presented by the Czar, for Heiligenberg Castle on a short honeymoon.

The gifts to the bridal couple include a massive silver epergne from the King and Queen of England and a magnificent diadem of brilliants from the Czar and Czarina .

The civil marriage of Prince Andrew and Princess Alice took place on Tuesday.

118 χρόνια από τον γάμου Της ΑΒΥ Πρίγκιπα Αντρέα της Ελλάδας και Δανίας με Την ΑΒΥ Πριγκίπισσα Αλίκη του Μπατενμπεργκ στις 06–10–1903

Η πριγκίπισσα Αλίκη θεωρούνταν η πιο όμορφη πριγκίπισσα στην Ευρώπη. Σε ηλικία 17 ��τών γνώρισε τον πρίγκιπα της Ελλάδας Ανδρέα ενώ βρισκόταν στο Λονδίνο για τη στέψη του βασιλιά Εδουάρδου Ζ '. Παντρεύτηκαν σε δημόσια υπηρεσία στις 6 Οκτωβρίου 1903 στο Ντάρμσταντ στο κρατίδιο της Έσσης, στη Γερμανία, και ακολούθησαν δύο θρησκευτικές λειτουργίες: η μία Λουθηρανική και η άλλη Ελληνορθόδοξη στο Ρωσικό Παρεκκλήσι. Η νύφη και ο γαμπρός είχαν στενή σχέση με τους κυβερνώντες Βασιλικους οίκους του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, της Γερμανίας, της Ρωσίας, της Δανίας και της Ελλάδας. Εγκαταστάθηκαν στην Αθήνα της Ελλάδας και ο πρίγκιπας Ανδρέας συνέχισε την καριέρα του στο στρατό, ενώ η πριγκίπισσα Αλίκη ή η πριγκίπισσα Άντρεα όπως ήταν επίσης γνωστό ως συνήθεια για μια πριγκίπισσα να παίρνει το όνομα του συζύγου της, ασχολήθηκε με φιλανθρωπικό έργο. Το ζευγάρι είχε τέσσερις κόρες και έναν γιο, τον πρίγκιπα Φίλιππο, ο οποίος αργότερα παντρεύτηκε τη βασίλισσα Ελισάβετ Β 'του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου

Παρακάτω ένα άρθρο για τον Βασιλικό εμφανίστηκε αρχικά στους New York Times στις 8 Οκτωβρίου 1903

Ντάρμσταντ, 7 Οκτωβρίου

Παρουσία μιας αξιόλογης συγκέντρωσης, η οποία περιελάμβανε έναν αυτοκράτορα, μια αυτοκράτειρα, έναν βασιλιά και δύο βασίλισσες, ο γάμος της πριγκίπισσας Αλίκης του Μπάτενμπεργκ και του πρίγκιπα Ανδρέα της Ελλάδας γιορτάστηκε σήμερα σύμφωνα με τις τελετές των λουθηρανικών και ελληνικών εκκλησιών.

Στη λίστα καλεσμένων ήταν οι θείες, οι θείοι και οι γονείς της νύφης Μεγάλος Δούκας Έρνστ της Έσσης και από τον Ρήνο, η Τσαρίνα Αλεξάνδρα Φεοντόροβνα της Ρωσίας, ο τσάρος Νικόλαος Β της Ρωσίας, η Πριγκίπισσα Ειρήνη της Πρωσίας, ο Πρίγκιπας Ερρίκος της Πρωσίας, η Μεγάλη Δούκισσα Ελισάβετ Feodorovna της Ρωσίας, Μέγας Δούκας Σεργκέι Αλεξάντροβιτς της Ρωσίας, πριγκίπισσα Louis του Battenberg και πρίγκιπας Louis του Battenberg

Το γαμήλιο πάρτι, του οποίου τα φορέματα και οι στολές έκαναν ένα πολύ αποτελεσματικό θέαμα, ξεκινησε στις 3:30 στο παλιό κάστρο και στη συνέχεια διασχιζοντας την αυλή του κάστρου στην εκκλησία του κάστρου. Ο πρίγκιπας Γεώργιος της Ελλάδας με την πριγκίπισσα Βικτώρια ηγήθηκε της πορείας και ακολούθησαν ο Μεγάλος Δούκας της Έσσης, με την Τσαρίνα ο τσάρος, με τη βασίλισσα Αλεξάνδρα τα μέλη της ελληνικής βασιλικής οικογένειας, και τέλος τον πρίγκιπα Λούις του Μπάτενμπεργκ, με τις κόρες του, τις πριγκίπισσες Αλίκη και τη Λουίζα μετέπειτα Βασσιλισα Λουίζα της Σουηδιας

Η εκκλησία ήταν γεμάτη με διπλωμάτες, τις τοπικές αρχές και τις βασιλικές οικογένειες Η προτεσταντική τελετή διήρκεσε τρία τέταρτα της ώρας, με ιερέα τον κληρικό σεβ. Dr. Petersen. Το πάρτι στη συνέχεια, οδήγησε με αντίστροφη σειρά στο ελληνικό παρεκκλήσι, ένα μίλι μακριά στο Mathildanhohe, όπου τους υποδέχτηκε ένα μεγάλο πλήθος. Εκεί η τελετή του γάμου γιορτάστηκε σύμφωνα με τις ελληνικές τελετές από τον αρχιερέα Janitcheff, μια ρωσική χορωδία που εκτελούσε τη μουσική λειτουργία. Στη συνέχεια, όλοι επέστρεψαν απευθείας στο παλάτι.

Η νύφη φορούσε λευκο κρέπα ντε κινέ, με άνθη πορτοκαλιάς και μπούστο από δαντέλα Point de Venise

και φόρουσε τη διαμαντένια τιάρα που μπορεί να ήταν το δώρο του γάμου της από τον θείο και τη θεία της,και ένα διαμαντένιο κολιέ με σχήμα κύκλου με διαμαντένια αστέρια που λέγεται ότι ήταν δώρο γάμου από τη μητέρα της

Ο τσάρος Νικόλαος Β και η Τσαρίνα Αλεξάνδρα Φεοντόροβνα της Ρωσίας

Η βασίλισσα Αλεξάνδρα ήταν ντυμένη με μωβ τούλι, με παγιέτες και είχε διαμαντένιο διάδημα. Η Τσαρίνα φορούσε φόρεμα από λευκό τούλι κεντημένο με ασήμι και φορούσε ρωσικό διάδημα. Η βασίλισσα της Ελλάδας ήταν σε γκρι σατέν.

Ένα οικογενειακό δείπνο πραγματοποιήθηκε σήμερα το βράδυ.

Στη συνέχεια, το ζευγάρι ξεκίνησε με ένα μηχανοκίνητο αυτοκίνητο, το οποίο παραχωρισε ο τσάρος, για το Κάστρο Heiligenberg σε ένα σύντομο μήνα του μέλιτος.

Τα δώρα στο νυφικό ζευγάρι περιλαμβάνουν μια τεράστια ασημένια epergne από τον βασιλιά και τη βασίλισσα της Αγγλίας και ένα υπέροχο διάδημα από τον Τσάρο και την Τσαρίνα.

Ο πολιτικός γάμος του πρίγκιπα Andrew και της πριγκίπισσας Aλικης πραγματοποιήθηκε την Τρίτη.