GEORGE V AND PRINCESS MARY OF TECK

This was the last major royal marriage that was arranged as a strategic alliance between countries, rather than for love. However, it was under the most tragic circumstances that brought them together.

George

George was the second son of Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and his wife Alexandra, Princess of Wales. He was born on 3 June 1865 at Marlborough House in London. His mother was a member of the Danish Royal Family. At the time, an heir had already been born, so there was no expectation that he would ascend to the throne. It was his brother, Prince Albert, who would take over.

The boys were tutored by John Neale Dalton for fourteen years. He was chaplain to Queen Victoria, and a graduate of Clare College, Cambridge. Both boys did not excel academically. George was motivated to learn, but Eddy (Prince Albert) was not. The boys were eventually

King George V and Queen Mary when they were the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Sent to join HMS Britannia and Dalton went with them to act as their guardian. Then, he moved to HMS Bacchante. While Eddy left the Navy to pursue a place at Cambridge University, George remained. He worked his way up and commanded HMS Melampus during her commissioning and sea trials.

While on his naval duties in Malta, he fell in love with Marie of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, due to both mothers resenting each other, George and Marie's relationship came to an end.

In 1891, the engagement was announced for his brother, Eddy, to marry a distant relative, Princess Victoria Mary of Teck - known as May. However, six weeks after the engagement was announced, Eddy fell ill from pneumonia, and died. The double-edged sword of grief and Queen Victoria still thinking May was a suitable candidate as a consort brought the young couple together. George proposed to May a year after his brother's death and they married.

Princess Victoria Mary of Teck

Princess Mary (May) was a great grand-daughter of King George III. Her mother Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge married Francis, Duke of Teck. May was born at Kensington Palace in London and was the oldest of four children.

May had known Princes Albert and George since they were children as they played together. Unlike her brothers, May was home schooled by her mother and governesses - her brothers went to boarding school. Her mother insisted that May assist her with charitable causes, and she spent time visiting these charities. May spent a lot of time abroad visiting

Above: Princess Mary of Wales Left: Prince George and Mary.

Relatives too because her family was not wealthy and this was seen as a way to economise. As she grew up, she helped her mother organise social events.

Queen Victoria decided that May was a suitable marriage choice for her oldest son, Prince Albert. The couple became engaged, then tragically Albert died. A year after this Prince George proposed and she accepted.

The Wedding

The wedding took place on 6 July 1893 at the Chapel Royal, St James' Palace. On the morning of the wedding, Prince George caught a glimpse of his bride, and gave a low bow to her. The royal procession travelled from Buckingham Palace to the Chapel Royal in state landaus. Along the route, large crowds cheered as this was a major event.

May's wedding dress was made of silver and white brocade, trimmed with orange blossom and Honiton lace. Made by Linton & Curtis of London, it was embroidered with a thistle, rose and shamrock, and a train. Her veil was the same one her mother had worn on her wedding day. King Edward gave her a gift of a diamond riviere necklace. May had ten bridesmaids, all cousins or sisters of Prince George. George wore his Naval Captain's uniform. The service was mainly performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, although at least two Bishops assisted him with the service. The couple honeymooned at Sandringham, Norfolk.

Above: The Wedding portrait of Prince George and Mary with ten bridesmaids.

Right: Mary's dress was made of Silver and White brocade, trimmed with orange blossom and Honiton lace.

Above: The Prince and Princess of Wales ¦ ¦ later Edward VII and Princess Alexandra. Opposite, left: Edward VII as Prince of Wales.

Opposite, right: Edward VII in his Coronation robes.