Reminiscences of Court and Diplomatic Life (Volume 1) - Georgiana Liddell Bloomfield Bloomfield

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. The Grand Duke Constantine took the Oath of Allegiance--The Cholera--I return to England--Letter from Lord Bloomfield-- Letter from General Baron L A portrait of General Lamori ciere--Visits to Welikina and Narva--Death of Sir Robert Peel --Russian Superstitions--Ball at the Winter Palace--A Story of Cracow--We leave St. Petersburg and visit Warsaw. December 8, 1847.--The Corps Diplomatique were invited to assist at the ceremony of the Grand Duke Constantine taking the oath of allegiance to his father, elder brother, and his heirs, according to the rule established by the Emperor Nicholas: each Grand Duke, on coming of age, is obliged to take the oath of allegiance in order to avoid all doubt as to the succession. On our arrival at the Winter Palace we were conducted to the Chapel. The Imperial family had already taken their places within the altar rails. After a short service, performed by the Metropolitan and his attendant priests, who wore splendid vestments, there was some beautiful music, and then the Emperor led the Grand Duke Vol. 1. u Constantine up to the altar, and after making the sign of the cross and kissing the Bible, the latter read the oath in a clear voice, and with his hand upraised. He seemed very much impressed, and, as soon as he had read the oath, he was blessed and embraced by his father and mother, who were both much affected He then embraced his brothers and sisters, and his betrothed, the young Princess Alexandrine of Saxe-Altenburg, who stood immediately in front of me. She was tall and had a fine figure; the upper part of her face was exceedingly handsome. It was a curious coincidence that she was said to resemble the late Grand Duchess Alexandrine so much, that when first the Empress saw her on her arrival Her Majesty bur...