3-070-504 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Marriage Festivities at Berlin: Fackel-Tanz, or torch dance at the Royal Wedding, from a sketch by our special artist, Mr. William Simpson, 1881. Marriage of Prince William of Prussia to Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg. '...the Emperor and the bride and bridegroom and the Princes and Princesses returned [to the White Saloon]...The traditional Torch Dance began, which lasted late into the night, and concluded this wedding ceremonial. Our Special Artist made a Sketch...which he had the honour of showing to their Majesties the Emperor and Empress next day...The venerable Emperor-King William I. here appears leading his newly-made grand-daughter, Princess William, ushered forward, through the assembled company..., by twelve Ministers of State or high officials of the Kingdom and Empire, each of whom bears a large wax candle, instead of a torch, agreeably to the old custom of the Hohen- zollern Court. The bride wore a white satin robe, en tablier, trimmed with silver and Honiton lace, with bunches of myrtle and orange-blossoms fastened upon it, and with a spreading train of silver brocade. This dress was a present to her Royal Highness from Queen Victoria'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.