On July 6, 1893, Prince George, Duke of York, married Princess Victoria Mary of Teck in a royal wedding held at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace, London, marking the first royal wedding there since Prince Albert's death in 1861. The wedding came after Princess Mary was initially engaged to Prince George's deceased brother, and despite initial uncertainties, their relationship blossomed into a deep and successful partnership. The occasion was celebrated with elaborate festivities, including a procession through crowded streets and Princess Mary's wedding dress featuring traditional symbols and lace from her mother's gown, underscoring the blend of personal significance and royal tradition.
On July 6, 1893, Prince George, Duke of York (who would later become King George V), married Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (who would later become Queen Mary) at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace, London.
Engagement
Princess Victoria Mary of Teck was previously engaged to Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. However, the engagement ended with his death on January 14, 1892. Queen Victoria, the prince's grandmother, was keen to secure the royal line of succession and wanted Prince George, now second-in-line to the throne, to marry either Princess Marie or Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh. Although George was fond of his cousins, he preferred not to rush into marriage, citing the tragic death of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria as a cautionary example. He also expressed that he could never marry someone who did not love him, as it would make him unhappy forever. Despite this, a marriage proposal to Marie was made in 1892, but she rejected him due to the influence of her Anglophobe mother and governess.
Queen Victoria liked Duke Clarence's fiancée Mary and suggested that she marry Prince George. The situation was complicated as the public and the media expected this new engagement, putting pressure on Mary who was still mourning the Duke. George was unsure of Mary's feelings towards him, especially after losing confidence following Marie's rejection. Encouraged by his aunt Queen Olga of the Hellenes, George finally proposed to Mary after several tentative and awkward meetings.
One memorable meeting happened on May 3, 1893, when Mary went for tea at the home of George's sister, Princess Louise, Duchess of Fife, and her husband. To her surprise, George was also there. Princess Louise helped break the ice by suggesting George show Mary the frogs in the garden pond. There, George proposed, and their engagement was announced the next day. Despite the rocky start, the couple grew to deeply care for each other, and their marriage turned out to be successful.
Protests
The Socialist League, a group of anarchists, protested against the expensive royal wedding. They put up posters saying: "The London Anarchists will meet in Hyde Park on Sunday, July 2nd at 3:30 PM to protest against the lavish spending on these Royal Vermin while workers suffer from hunger and overwork. Workers, get ready for the Revolution. Remember - To be free, you must act. Down with Flunkyism." Thomas Cantwell and Ernest Young, members of this group, were caught putting up these posters and were arrested. Although the police searched their offices, the case against them was eventually dropped.
Wedding
Prince George, Duke of York, married Princess Victoria Mary of Teck at 12:30 PM on July 6, 1893, in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. This was the first royal wedding held there since Prince Albert's death in 1861, after which Queen Victoria mourned deeply. Since then, most royal weddings had been smaller events at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
On the day of their wedding, Prince George unexpectedly saw his fiancée down a long corridor at Buckingham Palace, and he made a respectful bow, a gesture Princess Mary always remembered.
The royal family traveled from Buckingham Palace to St James's Palace in four grand carriage processions. Spectators crowded the streets to watch and cheer for the couple, giving them a warm welcome. Princess Mary acknowledged the crowd with a shy smile and a small wave of her hand.
Princess Victoria Mary was joined by ten bridesmaids, including George's sisters and cousins, at the ceremony. The wedding was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Bishop of London and other church leaders. After the ceremony, George and Mary went to Buckingham Palace, where even Queen Victoria appeared on the balcony, a rare event since her mourning period began.
Following their wedding, Mary was officially known as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon at Sandringham in Norfolk, then visited Queen Victoria at Osborne House.