WEDDING AT MONTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 132, 5 June 1937, Page 9

WEDDING AT MONTS

Most Romantic of Modern Times DUKE OF WINDSOR AND AMERICAN BRIDE CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES LONDON, June 8. For the wedding of the Duke of Windsor and Mrs. Wallis Warfield, Monte was transformed into a carnival town, being crowded with visitors, none of whom could expect more than the vicarious thrill of being in the neighbourhood of the most romantic wedding of modern times. Brilliant sunshine attracted scores of charabancs and hundreds of cars from nearby towns. Detachments of police took up positions on all the roads leading to the Chateau de Cande, and two aeroplanes patrolled the sky. The Press representatives were not allowed to telephone or to leave the Chateau until the ceremony was over. Dr. Mercier upon his arrival at the chateau was conducted to the salon and took his place at a table opposite two armchairs in which sat the bride and bridegroom. Captain Metcalfe •at on the Duke’s left and Mr Rogers sat besides Mrs Warfield. The guests were seated in rows behind the couple. The ceremony, which was very simple, was finished in twelve minutes. The Mayor read the relevant articles of the civil code under which couples promise fidelity and health, and to help each other. The husband must protect his wife and the wife must obey her husband and must live with him and follow him wherever he deems fit. The husband must maintain his wife in accordance with his status. “Most Moving Idyll” Dr. Mercier then declared: “By one of the chances of destiny the most moving idyll of all times takes place under the blue skies of France, amidst the flowers and trees of the Chateau de Cande. I salute Your Royal Highness as the former Sovereign of a most friendly nation. I greet in the name of France the Prince and her whom His Royal Highness has chosen from a noble country attached to us. By the same precious bonds, I present you most sincere wishes for your happiness.” The Mayor, addressing the Duke and using all his Christian names and titles, including Admiral of the Fleet, Field-Marshal, and Marshal of the Air Force of Great Britain, asked if he took Mrs Wallis Warfield as his wife. The Duke replied in firm, clear tones: “Oui, Monsieur le Maire.” Dr. Mercier repeated the question tc Mrs Warfield, who replied “Oui” in a slightly unsteady voice. The Mayor then declared: “In the name of the law we declare you united in the bonds of matrimony.'’ Only eleven people witnessed the civil ceremony—Mrs Merriman. Captain Metcalfe. Mr and Mrs Herman Rogers, the Prefect of Tours, Commissioner of Police, and five journalists. Most of the other guests waited in the library, which was transformed into a floral bower with scores of bouquets, baskets, and several American flags, but nowhere in the decorations were any British flag c . Rcl igious Ceremony The religious ceremony was conducted according to the full rites of the Church of England, including the bride’s promise to obey. The famous French organist. M. Marcel Dupre, played the “Wedding March,” while the wedded couple proceeded to the music room for the second ceremony during which there were tears in the Duke of Windsor’s eyes, though he made the responses clearly and firmly. Once or twice the bride placed an encouraging hand on his arm. The Duke did not kiss the bride at either the civil or religious ceremonies. At the conclusion of the religious ceremony a bouquet from M. Blurn, French Premier, was presented to the Duke and Duchess, who returned to the salon to receive the congratulations of the guests. Brilliant earrings, set with eight flashing sapphires, and a diamond bracelet, with dangling crosses, adorned the bride, who stood at the altar beside the bridegroom while the Rev. Mr Jardine, wearing a surplice and purple stole, began the service. The Duke was inclined tc fidget and Lis vole* wr high pitched when he remied: •*! will.” Mrs Warfield’s responses were soft. The Duke was deeply moved when he repeated the words, “With this ring I thee wed.” His hand trembled as he placed the wedding ring on the bride’s finger. The wedded pair knelt on white satin cushions during the Lord’s Prayer and the Blessing, after which to the strains of the “Wedding March,” the bride, holding her husband’s arm. followed by the gues'.s, left the room. Tha Reception The reception was held in the salon. Captain Metcalfe proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom. The Duke of Windsor laughingly replied. “We both thank you feelingly for your kind and friendly attendance on ai. occasion so important for us.” The Duke and Duchess then greeted, every guest The Duchess was happy, but reserved and thoroughly composed. The Duke and Duchess then posed for the photographers in front of the chateau. While the bride was talking with the guests some addressed her as Mrs Wallis and others as “Your Grace” and “Duchess.” The wedding breakfast lasted for about an hour. The table uas decorated with pink carnations on either side of the three-foot eight-tiered wedding cake. The Duke was In an extremely happy mood throughout the breakfast. The wedding cake was cut by the Duke and Duchess together with an ordinary table knife. Two thousand congratulatory telegrams were

breakfast” Sh ° rtly after the Weddin = ...J?! ? U< ? e F S ' S° in g-away costume Ddntert ni Ue C ° at and Skirt with blou4 bUe and White flower ed Farewell Cheers Waving acknowledgment to the farewell cheers, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor drove off. escorted by a police carand four motor-cyclists, for three miles from Monts the road was lined on both sides by Mobile Guards, spaced fifteen yards apart. I he bridal car, followed by a luggage van. proceeded to L a Roche Mlgennes a small wayside station, where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are expected to board the express shortly before midnight en route to Wasserleonburg for the honeymoon. Dr. Mercier reveals that the marriage record, which will be kept in the official archives at Monts, was signed by the bride and bridegroom in french, "Edward, Due de Windsor; Wallis, Duchess de Windsor." The Duke and Duchess of Windsor boarded the Simplon express at. La Rochemijelle at 12.15 a.m. They travelled in a special coach guarded" by seven detectives.