Ceremonies of King Louis the 14th

Ceremonies of King Louis XIV

Marriage Ceremonies and King Louis XIV

Marriage to Marguerite of Savoy

Marguerite was the princess of Savoy; she was stunningly beautiful, with her big shimmering eyes, dark face and fairy like attire. She walked so gracefully that she barely touched the ground. Her reception was the most desired thing of all times, the king, queen and all the others at the court were dying to see her reception. Even before going into sound sleep at night the duchess along with her daughter thought of Marguerite, who according to them would become the future queen of France. To attend the morrow at the princess apartment, the king ordered a suit to be made ready for him.

Next day everything happened against the expectations. Before the court, the king appeared and the manner in which he started to make the announcement seemed to be a reserved and thoughtful one. His way of addressing made it clear that something other than expected is going to happen. Then finally, with immense respect and honor the King called out the princess. His announcement was completely civil; there seemed no trace of love. Everyone was flabbergasted by this announcement, including the Duchess of Savoy. The entire French Court was stunned by this unexpected change of affairs (Cowart, 2008).

Splendid arrangements were made at Isle of Pheasants, for the interviews which were to be held between the two courts and with the royal nuptials. There were bridges made from both Spanish and French side of the river, and these bridges were beautifully decorated, such that they seemed like beautiful galleries. On the island there was a palace, within which there existed an apartment which had lateral chambers and dressing rooms. The apartment was fully carpeted and was furnished beautifully with the magnificence of the commands of monarchs of both Spain and France (Cowart, 2008).

There were two doors in the apartment which were used separately by the two courts to make entry simultaneously. There was a line across the room that divided the room into two portions. One portion was regarded as French territory while the other one belonged to Spain. The residence of Spanish court was at Fontarabia, which was on the eastern side of the river. The French court was at Saint Jean de Luz, which was at the western or French side of the river (Cowart, 2008).

In the view of many republicans many of the court's etiquettes are illogical and foolish. It was not possible for Louis to go across the river and win his Spanish bride, nor could Maria Theresa get married on a French soil. This was why Don Luis de Haro (proxy of Louis XIV) got married to Maria in Fontarabia's church, having French Bishop of Frejus as a witness. The ceremony took place under the most scrupulous observance of the splendid forms of Spanish custom (Fraser, 2006).

According to Madame de Motteville, the bride was extremely fair, and had blue eyes which looked fine but they captivated all of them by their brilliance. She had full roseate lips which were strikingly beautiful. Everyone was pleased to see her long face which was a little rounded at the chin. Her cheeks were big but they looked nice and were praised by all. Her hair was reddish brown in color and they went very well with her complexion (Fraser, 2006).

She was wearing a very fancy white satin dress designed with silver serge and number of small bows. Her name was Infanta and she was also wearing beautiful jewelry and a wig on her head. Her household first lady takes her to the train (Fraser, 2006).

Philip IV was proudly standing between Louis's proxy and his daughter in the ceremony. Don Luis did not give the marriage ring to the princess and she also didn't give her to him. Father then wished his child good luck and the train left the ceremony. The Duke of Orleans with her mother Anne from Austria reached to Isle of Pheasants to see her brother named Philip IV and his wife. However, Louis XIV was not yet allowed to meet and interview his fiancee as per the rule of Court but still he sent some very beautiful gems and jewelry to her as a gift by one of his honorable fellow (Fraser, 2006).

Anne of Austria and Philip IV granted permission to bring the stranger in (Fraser, 2006). Anne and the Philip IV were real brother and sister but still they were not allowed to greet each other heartily according to the Spanish Etiquettes. Their meeting was very graceful and quite reserved. However, Anne being a loving sister ignored the rules and etiquettes for a while and gave a quick salute to her brother's cheek. Their Spanish King did not like this demonstration of love at all. By looking at this attitude of the King the bride kneeled down in front of him to get the permission to kiss Anne's hand. Only then their mother came and holds the bride up and hugged her gracefully. After a while Cardinal Mazarin came in the room and informed them after bowing in front of his majesties that a stranger is there on the door and asking for permission to come in. After a short discussion on this, they allowed the stranger to enter in the room.

The stranger was Loius XIV, who then entered in the hall in front of all including his wife to be who was watching him for the very first time. When he approached his fiancee Miss Maria Theresa, she blushed with shyness. After seeing him Philip IV said to Anne loudly that I am proud to have a handsome son-in-law (Fraser, 2006).

The room was divided in two portions, one was decorated as per Spanish style and other was designed in French style. Louis approached the cushion which was placed in between the two portions and made himself comfortable on that. Spanish King also sat down beside him. Bible was brought by Cardinal Mazarin marked with a cross on it and one of the official of Spanish church did the same and settled down on the other side. They both read the treaty of peace aloud once in French then in Spanish for both of them. After that both the King and Louis XIV placed their hands on the Bible and took oath to follow all the rules and regulations present in the sacred book. After the oath taking ceremony they both embraced one another in front of all the people by standing in the front line (Jones, 2002).