The Marriage of The Duke of Windsor and The Duchess of Genoa

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Servants began preparations for the wedding on Friday on Wednesday night. They began to ensure that everything was perfect bringing in candles and candlesticks, a long running carpet which The Duchess of Genoa would walk down on Friday, cloth of gold and silver to decorate the chapel and various other rich tapestries and ornaments.

Musicians brought in their instruments carefully placing them by the altar and tuning them, choir singers practiced the hymns which would be sung and an atmosphere filled the chapel.

Tomorrow the flowers would be brought in to fill the chapel with colour and a pretty aroma. The wedding would be an event that all would enjoy but none more than Edward Craven who could not wait for the day he could call the most beautiful woman in court his wife.

Wolsey entered quickly and made the final preparations for the upcoming wedding. He looked around and nodded approvingly; the candles were lit and the flowers spread a delicious smell. He spoke briefly with the conductor, then took his place on the increase for the altar and waited for the guests to enter before the bridal couple would stride in. The choir was ready to sing the first wedding psalm and waited for his sign, nervously coughing and the organ played out some bars.

He smiled friendly at the arriving guests, meanwhile looking forward to the groom who would stand beside him waiting for the bride to stride in.

I enter the chapel wearing a new outfit, stitched with gold and silver thread. I then see the Cardinal and smile kindly at him,"Your Eminence..."

It was the morning of my brother Edward's wedding. I awoke with a smile on my face, full of happiness and joy. His wife would now be my sister and I hope dearly ...my friend.

I climb out of my bed and find it is a beautiful crisp morning, as I peer out my window. The frost lies on the grass but the sun pours onto the ground illuminating it with it's beautiful light.

I take my time getting ready, carefully tying my long golden hair up, plaiting and braiding it until it sits perfectly. I then put on my new satin blue dress and jewels with the help of my kind servant...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I smile happily and finally I then I leave my chamber and head to the chapel.


I enter the chapel and take my seat on the front row as courtiers begin to file in. I tap Edward on the back and give him a warm sisterly look,"Good luck dear brother!"I whisper and then settle into my seat.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I enter the chapel and take my seat next to my sister. I give her a brotherly hug and smile. After some moments I spot Edward and nod...

I stand then and take my place beside him. I hand him two rings which he will give to The Cardinal before the ceremony….

I enter the chapel and smile. It seems like only yesterday when it was Thomas who was getting married. I approach my handsome son and kiss him on the cheek,"Treat her well son, and you will be the most happy,"

I then give my eldest son Thomas a hug and sit beside my beautiful daughter Elizabeth and wait for the ceremony to begin...

She was wearing a white dress which Margaret chose for her. She felt like her heart could tore her skin and fly.She was shaking by excitement. Also , she didn't know what to do. While she was thinking all of these, she was waiting outside corner of the chapel. She could see people going inside.But she didn't enter. She was just wanting to stay a little bit longer.

Geoffrey saw Alfonsina waiting her turn to enter, standing outside the chapel. He approached her, bowed deeply and kissed her hand

My lady...comgratulations. People you're invited are coming...

He smiled kindly and entered in the chapel

´Ahh... the groom, welcome on this beautiful day!´ Wolsey whispered at Edward.
´Feeling a little nervous...?´ he winked reassuringly and put a hand on Edward's arm for a moment.
'... All will be fine, you'll see, we make a memorable ceremonie... did you bring the rings, My Lord? '

He smiled and replied,"A little nervous, yes..."

He then took the rings from Thomas and gave them to The Cardinal,"Here they are..."

As Geoffrey kissed her hand , she smiled.

"Thank you , Geoffrey. "

She smiled again while he was entering the chapel. She thought that she should enter too. Then,she hold her long dress' skirt and started to walk. When she reached the gate of the chapel , she felt like she could die. The chapel was a little crowded.

I turn round and see Alfonsina, she looks like an angel. Her long golden hair frames her angelic face, I smile warmly and whisper to Edward,"She is here brother..."

He turned to Elizabeth as she whispered, he smiled and then looked to the entrance into the chapel and then he saw her.
He took a deep breath and felt a little nervous now-he was excited that soon she would be his wife. He smiled warmly at her. She looked beautiful...

Wolsey took the rings and put them carefully on the altar. When he turned back, he noticed the bride was already standing in the back of the chapel.
´Shall we start.. or do we wait for another moment?' he asked Edward softly.

Edward smiled warmly at Alfonsina and then turned to Wolsey,"No...I...I think I am ready to meet my wife."

He smiled happily...

When she saw Edward , she smiled happily. Then, she started to walk towards him. When she came near him , she smiled again and bowed.

"Hello.."

He bowed when she came near him as musicians began to play their instruments and choir singers sang beautiful hymns. I take Alfonsina's hand,"Hello,"I reply and wink playfully.

I then turn to The Cardinal and wait for him to begin...

Thomas entered in the chapel. He crossed in front of the altar and reached his place. Then he kept on watching at the beautiful couple at the altar

Wolsey smiled warmly at the beautiful bride and groom and when the choir finished the openingshymne, he raised his hands and blessed the couple, holding his hands above their heads.

'In nomine patri et fili spiritu sancti...''

I bow my head as the ceremony begins and sneak a glance to Alfonsina who does the same,"You look beautiful,"I whisper...

She did the same thing with Edward. When she heard his words , she smiled and looked down. She was the happiest..

'We are come here together, before God and these witnesses, to join in holy matrimony Edward Craven, Duke of Windsor and Alfonsina Garcia, Duchess of Genoa ... and if there be any among you who may imagine so impediment as to why they should not be married let them now speak out or forever hold their tongue.' Wolsey spoke and paused for a moment.

Margaret entered in the chapel with her brother Thomas. She noticed that Alfonsina was already at the altar. Then she crossed and reached fastly her place, looking smiling at her. She looked like a Queen...

I look up for a brief moment and pray no one will speak. Apart from the gentle music being played the chapel is silent...I smile and wait for Wolsey to continue...