A PRINCE'S WEDDING TO A NEW ZEALAND GIRL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12834, 6 April 1905, Page 6

A PRINCE'S WEDDING TO A NEW ZEALAND GIRL.

A ROMANTIC MARRIAGE. [from ore. nw.v cohbf-spondent.] London. March 4. A WH.nniN'u took place iii London on Monday which has excited a good deal of interest, and has been the subject, of a good deal of ornamental writing. The bridegroom was Prince Albert Ghica, the chosen leader of the Independence Party, which seeks to free Albania from Turkish claims, and it is stated that 150,000 Albanians are ready to follow him. Tha Prince conies of a family which has always identified itself with the cause of liberty in Albania. His greatgrandfather, Prince Gregory Uhica, of MoldoYalaehie, was beheaded by the Turks in 1777, so it is said. lie is described as a handsome man of about 35 years of age, descended from an old Roman Catholic Albanian family, whose members have at various times belt! the position of Hospodar of Wallchia. The title was conferred by the Austrian Emperor. The bride was Miss Margaret Bowling, who is described as "a New Zealand girl," her father having emigrated from County Kildaro to New Zealand, where he is said to have made a handsome fortune, which has descended to bis daughter, who was born in the colony. The young couple met abroad some months ago, and it, is said that Miss Dowling's sympathies were quickly and completely enlisted on behalf of tho sufferers under Turkish misrule, while she will support her husband in his political efforts. The marriage, which was postponed from December, was celebrated quietly at the church of St. Mary, Cadogan-slreet, in the presence of a few relatives of the bride ami friends of both the bride and bridegroom. A rumour was about in the morning that the Turkish Embassy had designs for the hindrance of the marriage, and a large and sympathetic crowd assembled outside the church to help in any agreeable scene which might ensue; hut all passed off without incident. Father Kelly officiated, but as the ceremony was a " mixed" one, it was soon over. The bride, described as being " tall in figure and sweet of expression, bore herself with queenly grace, and Inn beauty was emphasised by her wedding dress being a princess robe." The dress was of heavy ivory satin ; the skirt, which fell in deep folds, had a long train, elaborately embroidered with a design in white silk and silver, intermingled with pearls, representing trails and clusters of lilies. The bodice, cut low in front, was finished with a high Medici collar of point d'esprit. She was given away by her mother, and was attended by her sister, Miss .lose Howling, as bridesmaid, who was dressed in soft,white chiffon. Mrs. Howling and Miss May - Howling also wore white. The best man was Lieutenant Maican, of the Princess of Roumania's Cavalry. For the principal part of the service. Father Kelly used the French language, and both the bride and bridegroom made their promises in that tongue. When symbolising the blessing of his bride with his worldly goods, the Prince handed to the priest a number of sovereigns. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Hans Crescent Hotel, and it was attended by numerous guests. Later the Prince and Princess Ohica left, for Rome, where the honeymoon is being spent. The Pop© sent his blessing to the. bride and bridegroom. The Princess wore a travelling dress of violet cloth, and beautiful sables. Among the presents were a diadem in diamonds from Princess Helene Qliica, a diamond brooch and diamond ring from the bridegroom, a toilet service in gold and a travelling bag from Mrs. Bowling, and a silver tea service from Prince Kdouard Chica.