Spanish Court Etiquette was “Medieval”

The little stranger is a girl, and therefore a disappointment, and also, if it survives, a sure source of difficulties, political and otherwise.  —Public domain image of María de las Mercedes,

Princess of Asturias

THE SPANISH BABY

Queen Christina has a baby, and Spain is shaken to its foundations. The little stranger is a girl, and therefore a disappointment, and also, if it survives, a sure source of difficulties, political and otherwise. Its birth was a very solemn and ceremonious affair, and the mother must have been wretchedly uncomfortable amid all the fetish Spanish court etiquette holds to be necessary on such occasions. 

The affair is chiefly interesting because it gives the civilized world an opportunity of witnessing an example of the follies and mummeries which hedged about royalty everywhere a few years ago, but which have almost disappeared from all countries but Spain, which is the most nearly medieval of any pretending to civilization. It is very doubtful whether the Spanish Infante will live to exercise any important influence upon human affairs, for the disposition of mankind to be governed by divine right is rapidly vanishing, and the growth of the democratic spirit menaces the most presumptuous and archaic institutions. 

Meantime there is nothing unrepublican in the expression of a hope that the young mother may come safely out of her trouble, and that the baby may take kindly to its Andalusian foster-mothers, of whom, we believe, there are at least three in waiting. — Sacramento Daily Union, 1880

 

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette and Spain's Queen

It is understood that the King fairly worships his wife and does all in his power to make Madrid pleasant for her, but the rigid etiquette of the Spanish court is peculiarly galling to the high spirited English Princess 

Queen of Spain Will Be Welcomed on Return “Home” 

Welcome Awaits Queen of Spain

King to Enter Three Yachts in Regattas at Cowes and Ryde 

[Special to the Herald] London, July 1911—

Much interest is felt in the visit of the King and Queen of Spain, as Princess Ena, the Queen, always was popular in England and the news from Madrid which, though toned down for the public is very generally known, has created a great sympathy for her.

It is understood that the King fairly worships his wife and does all in his power to make Madrid pleasant for her, but the rigid etiquette of the Spanish court is peculiarly galling to the high spirited English Princess and then the constant dread for her husband and children has told heartily on her.

It is said her Majesty is never really happy except when she is visiting her old English home. King Alfonso has entered three of his yachts for the racing at Cowes and Ryde, and will probably sail one of them in person. He is not to remain in England more than a fortnight and will then return to his own country.

Queen Ena, on the other hand, will spend a few weeks with her mother on the island, and will then travel to London for a brief visit, occupying the suite of apartments in Kensington Palace that was placed at their disposal a few years ago, by the late-King Edward.

This visit will be of a purely private character. Her Majesty is not expected to take part in any public function. Queen Ena will be accompanied by her three children and upon the conclusion of her visit will return direct to Madrid. — Los Angeles Herald, 1911

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia