With a successful military career that lead to him becoming aide-de-camp to the King, it’s no surprise that Prince Arthur of Connaught was reluctant to marry. However, as one of the only unmarried grandsons of Queen Victoria, Arthur found himself faced with countless European suitors.
On of the rumoured suitors was Princess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia. Although it’s unlikely that talks of marriage ever took place, in 1912 The Echo de Paris released a report about a potential engagement between the two. It had been written by the St Petersburg correspondent, who claimed that there hadn’t been an official announcement due to Irinas youthful age. The news was expected to be made official just days after the princess turned seventeen, but insisted, Arthur found himself shutting the rumours down.
While a match with Irina was out of the question, her cousins, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna was also suggested. Unfortunately as Europe was as on the brink of a war and Arthur needed to remain in Britain, this match also proved impossible. Luckily for the bachelor Prince this also ruled out all other European princesses.
While it’s thought that there was never a formal discussion over potential brides, Arthur eventually became engaged to his first cousin once removed, Princess Alexandra, Duchess of Fife, on 15th July 1913. Despite being the granddaughter of King Edward VII, Alexandra was a reasonably unknown member of the royal family, whose father had unexpectedly passed away in January 1912. Due to this, a large wedding seemed inappropriate and plans were made for a small private ceremony and reception. Understandably, King George V didn’t want outside guests to feel left out of such an occasion so decided to host an evening reception at St James’s Palace the day before the wedding. The event itself was attended by almost the whole of the Royal Family, members of European Royalty, foreign diplomats and government ministers.
The wedding itself took place in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace on 15th October 1913 and was the first royal wedding to take place since 1905 and the last to happen before the outbreak of the First World War. Wearing full-dress uniform of the Scots Grays, Arthur left Buckingham Palace in a small procession. Despite the couples low rank, the route was lined with thousands of onlookers, who had gathered for the occasion.
Just after 11:30 Alexandra and her mother left their home at Portman Square, ready for the ceremony. When she arrived at around 11:55, the Princess was taken to the Throne Room, where she was greeted by her five bridesmaids: her sister, Princess Maud; Princess Mary; Princess Helena of Teck; Princess Mary of Teck; and Princess May of Teck. Then, when she was as ready, the royal bride began walking up the aisle to meet Arthur by the altar. It’s said that during the vows Arthur appeared confident, while Alexandra spoke so softly that she was “almost inaudible”.
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests gathered in the picture gallery to sign the marriage registry and greet each of their guests. They then entered Queen Anne’s Chamber, where the cake was cut. From there, the newlyweds left St James’s in an open state coach and headed back to Portman Square for the reception. It was here that the blossoming couple stepped out onto the balcony to wave at the vast crowds that had gathered outside. When the celebrations were over, members of the royal family also began gathering in the front steps to throw rice at the young couple as they left to embark on their honeymoon at Rest Horrow near Sandwich Bay in Kent. While it’s unknown if the couple were a true love match, Arthur and Alexandra settled at 54 Mount Street in Mayfair, where they brought up their only child, Alistair.
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