25 May 2015
The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Simon FitzClarence, 9th Earl of Munster. His titles will be Duke of Clarence, Earl of Munster, Viscount FitzClarence and Baron Tewkesbury.
The Earl of Munster thus becomes His Grace The Duke of Clarence, and Princess Adeline of Wales will become Her Royal Highness Princess Adeline The Duchess of Clarence.
The Dukedom previously belonged to King William IV of the United Kingdom from whom The Earl Munster descends via King William's illegitimate son, George FitzClarence 1st Earl of Munster.
Buckingham Palace
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25th of May 2014 - St George's Chapel, Windsor
Climbing from the car, the Dowager Countess of Munster could not keep the smile from her face at the cheers from the crowds that had gathering outside St George's Chapel for a chance to be there for the wedding.
She smoothed out her dress and turned back to the crowds with a kind wave to them, a little in awe of the fact that this was her son's wedding day and so many people had turned out to wish him well.
The news coverage had been her companion that morning as she prepared for the wedding of her eldest boy, their talks of how well matched the couple were and how the country had rallied to celebrate the wedding.
Of course it would never be on part with the wedding of William and Catherine who would one day be the King and Queen but it was still a rather grand affair with the couple allowed a little more freedom when it came to the wedding itself.
This day had been a long time coming and the Countess felt truly blessed to be here; her illness having not deterred her from attending and she had refused to allow anything to damper this day.
Today was a day of happiness, today was the day that her eldest son wed the woman he loved and she couldn't think of anything more beautiful than that and that's all she had ever wanted for him and his siblings.
Susan was at her side, a wide smile on her face as she too waved to the crowds that were seated outside of the chapel and she had never seen the like before in person.
Then the two of them made their way up the steps and into the chapel, the Dean of Windsor stepping forward to greet them as they approached him; they talked quietly for a moment and with one last wave at the crowds they headed inside.
There were guests taking their seats inside with no one else set to arrive other than the royals and the Countess spotted a few rather familiar faces as they made their way along the blue aisle towards where she would be seated for the ceremony.
Anne nodded her head to the members of her family and that of her late husband's that she recognised along the way; it was truly wonderful that they could all be here to share in the celebrations.
Rupert was already in his seat, he looked rather smart in his suit and Anne could see that he was reading over the piece of paper with his reading on it; it wasn't long but she knew how nervous he was about giving it.
Finally reaching the pew where they would be seated, Anne turned to look at the space across from her that would soon occupy the more senior members of the royal family with only a few seats left unoccupied at this time.
Susan pulled her mother from her musings as she called her softly to take her seat, the clock was slowly ticking down and it would not be long before the ceremony was set to begin at 11am.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrived not long after Anne and Susan had taken their seats, the Duchess looking lovely in the pale gold dress coat as she moved to take her seat and offered a word of greeting to the Countess and Susan.
Since William was presiding as Simon's best man, she had arrived alone with Prince Harry looking rather sullen not far behind her not even acknowledging the FitzClarences as he took his seat beside his sister-in-law.
They were followed shortly after by the arrival of the Duchess of Cornwall who arrived alone since Charles would be travelling to the chapel with his daughter and walk her down the aisle, she too had opted for a pale coloured dress although this time she wore pink.
The chiming of the chapel bells made Anne shift in her seat slightly as she peered down the aisle in hopes of a small glimpse of the bridesmaids and page boys who had arrived although she was out of luck.
The rounds of cheering outside were enough for her to know that the Queen had arrived along with Prince Philip with quiet chatter quickly being interrupted by the royal salute signalling the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
The two making their way up the aisle to their seats as the choir and clergy took their seats as they waited for the arrival of the bride with Simon and William moving to take their places at the alter awaiting the arrival of Adeline.
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Sitting beside her father in the 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom VI, Adeline took a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves; a nervous smile on her face as she peered out of the windows at the crowds that had gathered to see her get married.
It had been a short drive from where she had been staying, taking far less time than she had thought and the chiming of the bells of the chapel rang even louder now that they were pulling up to the steps.
Her bouquet was held in her left hand as she offered small waves to the crowds as they passed them by; the flowers having been picked from her father's gardens especially for this occasion.
Finally the car pulled to a stop the crowds cheering as the footmen stepped forward to open the doors so that Charles and Adeline could climb out.
The weather was luckily on their side and Adeline was most grateful for that as she climbed from the car to be greeted by Bruce, moving to ensure that her satin gown smoothed out currently as she stepped from the car.
Turning to wave to the crowd, Adeline felt like her heart was pounding in her chest and quietly thanked Bruce as he gave her a small nod to tell her that she was all set and everything was perfect.
Lucy was waiting at the top of the stairs, a grin on her face as she admired how beautiful her best friend looked and she knew her brother wouldn't know what hit him when he saw her.
Linking arms, Charles and Adeline made their way up the many steps of St George's Chapel with him helping her with the skirt of her dress so that Adeline didn't trip over the front of the skirt of her dress as they climbed the steps.
The trumpets announced their arrival as they took their final steps up the stairs and into the chapel with the Dean of Windsor already there to greet them with a warm smile on his face.
Even from this distance Adeline could see the look on Simon's face for over the Dean's shoulder, all her nerves seemed to melt away when she looked at him and the massive smile on his face.
Lucy ushered the bridesmaids and page boys into their places before quickly moving to smooth out a slight ruffle in the bottom of Adeline's dress that had caught on itself as she had climbed the stairs.
Trumpet Voluntary started to play as the Dean of Windsor turned and started to lead them down the aisle, Adeline and Charles following behind him as they made their way.
The walk was over before Adeline even realised it and she felt like the only thing that she had done was stare at Simon and now here he was before her.
Lucy quickly leading the bridesmaids and page boys to the room where they would stay during the wedding ceremony, she carefully took Adeline's bouquet from her so that it could be stored properly during the ceremony.
"You look beautiful," Simon mouthed, still in awe of Adeline and he couldn't believe that she had agreed to be his wife; he honestly didn't know what he had done in a past life to deserve someone like her.
The opening hymn 'I Vow Thee My Country' echoed around the chapel as the congregation sung. Charles carefully helped Adeline lift her veil and tried to hold back his tears as he stared at his daughter, unable to believe that she was getting married; it was like this moment had arrived before he was ready.
"I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful." The Dean stated looking between the couple as he spoke.
There had been so much practice for this day, nothing could go wrong and they had prepared for every moment of this; Adeline and Simon had even requested that the objection part be removed from the ceremony.
Not that they thought anyone would object, but they didn't want to take the risk considering Harry's mood as of late; it was better to be safe than sorry.
"Simon Frederick Anthony, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?" the Dean said looking to the groom as he spoke the marriage reading to him.
"I will," Simon said grinning, he had no doubts about what he wanted and he would do anything to make Adeline; she deserved it more than anyone that he knew, he wanted to be the one that made her happy.
If there was one thing that he could do it was make sure that Adeline was happy, he wasn't sure that he could ever be the one that could betray her in anyway. #
"Adeline Louise Mary, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?" the Dean asked turning to Adeline for the next part.
"I will," Adeline said smiling, she couldn't keep the smile off her face and she had never been more sure of anything in her life; she wanted to be with Simon and nothing would change that.
"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" the Dean asked turning to look at the father of the bride, an emotional looking Charles that was capturing the hearts of the people at home all taken by how emotional he looked at the wedding of his only daughter.
"I do," Charles said with tears in his eyes, he passed Adeline's hand to the Dean who held it in his own for a moment before handing her hand to Simon as the opening cords of Up Where We Belong sung by the Military Wives played in the area.
It had been an easy decision for the couple to have Adeline's patronage perform at their wedding, one that was close to both their hearts and they sung beautiful filling the chapel with music and song.
The couple exchanging looks with each other as the choir sung, not caring for a moment that the world's eyes were upon them while Charles took his seat next to Camilla now that his part of the wedding was done.
"I, Simon Frederick Anthony, take thee, Adeline Louise Mary, to my wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part. according to God's holy law and thereto I give thee my troth," Simon said reciting his vows as he stared at Adeline while holding her left hand in his own.
"I, Adeline Louise Mary, take thee, Simon Frederick Anthony, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part. according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth," Adeline recited smiling, she couldn't bring herself to look away from Simon.
The vows were followed by the hymn, The Lord's My Shepherd sung by the choir of the chapel, the couple moving to take their seats while Rupert moved to stand before the chapel as he waited for the choir to stop singing so that he could do his reading.
"I cannot promise never to be angry; I cannot promise always to be kind. You know what you are taking on, my darling – It's only at the start that love is blind. And yet I'm still the one you want to be with And you're the one for me – of that I'm sure. You are my closest friend, my favourite person, The lover and the home I've waited for. I cannot promise that I will deserve you From this day on. I hope to pass that test. I love you and I want to make you happy. I promise I will do my very best," Rupert said reading the vow by Wendy Cope.
He smiled at Simon and Adeline who offered him reassuring smiles as he did his reading, he had been so nervous about speaking in front of all these people especially since he was only twenty years old.
Retaking their places in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury, William passed the wedding rings to the Archbishop so that they could be blessed before the congregation.
"Bless the lord, these rings, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other and abide in thy peace and favour and live together in love until their lives end, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." The Archbishop said blessing the two Welsh gold bands that had been engraved with sweet messages by the couple.
Then he handed the first ring to Simon as he took Adeline's left hand and prepared to give her the ring.
"With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee honour. And all my worldly goods with thee I share. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen," Simon said slipping the smaller of the two rings onto Adeline's ring finger, a grin forming on his face as he did so.
Then it was Adeline's turn, her hands shaking slightly as she took Simon's ring and she prayed that she didn't drop it for the world to see; she focused instead on his face.
"With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee honour. And all my worldly goods with thee I share. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen," Adeline recited slipping the ring onto Simon's finger.
It got stuck slightly at the knuckle and he mouthed the word ouch to her playfully in an attempt to calm her nerves; she rolled her eyes at him as she finished placing the ring on his finger.
"Forasmuch as Simon and Adeline have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The Archbishop said reading the proclamation announcing that they couple were now married.
The crowds outside the chapel cheered at the news that Simon and Adeline were now man and wife, the new Duke and Duchess of Clarence; the news that the couple were now married meant that there was much to celebrate.
Following the proclamation, the Military Wives took their places again to sing another song this time; Wherever You Are while Simon and Adeline prepared for the next part of the ceremony.
"Let us pray. O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Amen. The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always," the Archbishop said reading the blessing of the marriage.
The last part being recited back to him by those in attendance of the wedding before he launched into the Lord's prayer, both Adeline and Simon bowing their heads at the prayer was recited by everyone.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen,"
Taking Adeline's hand, Simon smiled as the two of them were lead from the chapel to a private room where they would sign the marriage license in the presence of their close family.
Lucy and William moving to follow after the couple along with the parents and siblings of the bride and groom with the Archbishop and Dean leading the way.
As they disappeared from view, Matteo Bocelli appeared in the middle of the chapel; clearing his throat as he prepared to sing a song that he had written especially for the occasion 'Anime Imperfette'.
The sweet song filled the air as they waited for the couple and their family to reappear from signing of the marriage licence while people chatted amongst themselves.
Once he had finished Kiri Te Kanawa took his place, she smiled as she sung Let the Bright Seraphim; a song that she had sung thirty odd years earlier at another royal wedding.
It had been an honour to be invited back to sing at the wedding of the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Finally the members of the family returned to their seats after the signing of the documents, signalling the impending return of the Duke and Duchess of Clarence.
Stepping out of the hallway, Adeline's hand resting upon Simon's as the trumpets rung out in preparation for the national anthem.
"God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save The Queen. Send her victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us: God save The Queen," the congregation sung out the tune that brought an end to many royal weddings these days.
The Queen smiled staring at her granddaughter, it had been a wonderful day indeed and she couldn't have been more proud about how the event had been conducted.
Adeline curtsied to her grandmother before taking Simon's arm as they walked back up the aisle to 'Prelude on Rhosymedre' unable to believe that had just happened and now they were husband and wife.
William and Lucy following after them with the page boys and bridesmaids before they were followed along the aisle by members of both families.
Charles walked with Anne with Camilla behind him with Rupert and Harry and Susan bringing up the rear behind them with the Queen and Prince Philip following behind them.
The crowd offering their congratulations to the couple as they made their way along the aisle; once the sounds of Prelude to Rhosymedre came to an end there was more music from the Military Wives as the couple reached the doors to the chapel.
Stepping out into the bright sunlight to the Grandsire Triples Quarter Peal ringing out, Adeline couldn't help but smile at the roaring crowd that had all gathered to stand outside to watch them marry.
Pausing at the top of the steps, Simon took a nervous breath unable to believe the warm reception that greeted them upon their next from the chapel where they had just married.
The two of them receiving the royal salute as they stepped out and Adeline looked towards Simon, he mouthed words to her that she wouldn't have heard anyway but she knew exactly what he was asking her.
A swift nod of her head before the two of them shared a kiss, the cheering growing even louder at the action as their families slowly grew closer behind them.
The two made their way down the steps to the midway point of the stairs, still holding hands while they walked and Adeline carrying her bouquet in her free hand.
Their families starting to exit the chapel behind them as they reached the midpoint of the long flight of stairs and stopped as their family gathered at the top of the stairs together to watch them.
The two of them had never smiled more as they shared looks with one another, it felt unreal that this was happening as the horse drawn carriage made its approach; neither one of them able to stop smiling even if they wanted to.
"One more?" Simon murmured leaning closer to Adeline, he didn't care what anyone thought; he had a beautiful woman on his arm that had agreed to be his wife and he could now call her that.
Adeline nodded her head, pressing her lips to Simon's for a second time; the crowd going crazy as the couple treated them to a second kiss that they really hadn't been expecting.
Then they made their way down the steps to the carriage that was waiting for them at the bottom, Simon helping Adeline enter the carriage and not to smush her dress in anyway before joining her inside it.
The door to the carriage was closed and the two of them were slowly pulled away from the chapel, their families making their way down the stairs so that they could head to the reception to prepare for the couple to arrive.
Charles also had to make sure that his surprise was ready, it was something that he thought Adeline would love and he could only hope that it would turn out well.
The streets of Windsor were cramped full of people, everyone desperate for a glimpse of the new Duke and Duchess of Clarence; they cheered at the sight of the couple approaching, sending their well wishes to the couple and wanting to share in their joy at being married.
Adeline waved to the crowds as they made their way through the streets of Windsor, it was such a beautiful day and she couldn't believe that this was all happening.
"I can't believe so many people came," Simon whispered to her, waving to the crowds it was surreal to think that so many people cared about the fact that he had gotten married.
It was still unreal to him that people had travelled from across the world to see Adeline and him get married, there had been someone from Montecito California on the news that morning who had come all the way to stand in the streets of Windsor for the chance to see them.
Adeline laughed and nodded her head, it was always strange how much attention she received just because of how she had been born; she had never thought that she would be in this situation nor that anyone would care that she married.
Currently she was fifth in line for the throne, she would only move further back in the succession as her brothers both had children; she was never important in the grand scheme of things.
Her children would be in the same position that Zara and Peter were, they would never be considered working royals like the Queen's cousins were.
Simon took Adeline's hand and pressed a kiss to it, a smile on his face as he caught the sight of her wedding ring in the sunlight; it would take some time to wrap his head around the fact that they were married now.
They were Mr and Mrs FitzClarence, the Duke and Duchess of Clarence.
There was never going to be a moment where he didn't love saying that to himself; even as he kissed Adeline to the further cheers of the crowd, he knew that he would never regret his decision to marry her.
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Give this playlist a listen: Adeline & Simon Wedding (2015)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22iReVp0H5JdokYmL1DCfU?si=OiSwUIpnTaGDLJ_KgwNOKA