Thursday, February 12, 2009

Turbulent demonstrations continue in Madrid

February 12, 1901

Madrid and other Spanish cities continue to see turbulent demonstrations protesting the forthcoming wedding of the Princess of the Asturias and Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies. Inside the palace, officials seemed oblivious to the ever-growing discontent in Spain. The Princess and Prince Carlo signed the civil contract connected with their wedding. The signing took place tonight and was witnessed by members of the Spanish royal family, court officials, the ministry, the Count of Caserta and his family, and "the chosen legal witnesses of each party." There were no invited guests.
At 9 p.m. the wedding party gathered in Queen Maria Cristina's reception room. The Queen, escorted by court officials, entered first, and was followed by the Infantas Isabella, Eulalia and Maria Teresa, the Princess of the Asturias, Prince Carlo, the Count and Countess of Caserta and their three daughters, the Duke of Calabria, Prince Gennaro, who is the younger brother of the Count of Caserta, and the Count's suite. The official witnesses for the bride and groom were also present.
The Minister of Justice, acting as notary agent, read the document, and announced that the only formality was the signing of the document. The Princess signed first, using her full legal name. Prince Carlo was next to sign, and was followed by the Queen Regent,members of the Cabinet, and the Generals who witnessed the signing on "behalf of the Prince."
After everyone had signed the document, the Minister of Justice affixed his stamp to it, which made the contract official. It will be published officially tomorrow in the official Gazette.
The bride and groom's families are both staying inside the palace.The general population will not have an opportunity to see the bride as the wedding is scheduled to take place in the palace chapel.

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