The Ricks-Admiral sent again to Whitelocke, to know if he would have any more ships provided for his transportation. Whitelocke returned his thanks, and that he intended not to take any of his horses with him, and therefore should not need any more ships than were already ordered.
Studely, one of Whitelocke’s servants, returned to him from Stockholm with an account that the ship appointed for his transportation was not yet ready, which retarded his voyage to his trouble.
Between ten and eleven o’clock at night the master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke’s house, with one of the Queen’s coaches, to bring him to the wedding at Court. He desired Whitelocke’s two sons to go into that coach, who excused themselves that they had not been in that coach formerly. The master said that when one went to an audience there were certain formalities to be observed, but going to a wedding was another thing; that now the Queen had sent her coach for Whitelocke as her guest, and it was proper for his sons to go with him. Whitelocke wished them to observe the direction of the master, who governed in these things.
They went to the bridegroom’s house, where were many of his friends; his uncle the Ricks-Admiral, Marshal Wrangel, and other senators and noblemen. As soon as Whitelocke alighted out of the coach, the bridegroom’s brother was there to receive him and bid him welcome; near the door the bridegroom met him, and gave him thanks for the favour in honouring his wedding with his presence. Whitelocke said he was very ready to testify his respects to the nobility of this country, and particularly to himself, and took it for an honour to be invited into such company.
Whitelocke was instructed by the master of the ceremonies, that by the custom of this country the bridegroom takes place of the King, and the bride of the Queen, during the solemnities of the wedding; accordingly Whitelocke gave the right hand to the bridegroom.
After a little discourse they took their coaches;—first the gentlemen, then the Lords, then the Senators, then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence in the Queen’s coach, which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom’s coach last of all, as the best place. The like order they observed in their going in the castle. At the head of the stairs the master of the ceremonies met them, and brought them to the presence-chamber, where the Queen was with the bride and a great company of gallant ladies. The bridegroom kissed her Majesty’s hand, and then the bride’s hand; the rest of the company did the like. Between the Queen and Whitelocke passed a little discourse.
Whitelocke. Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me to these solemnities.
Queen. It is an honour to us that such an Ambassador will be present at our ceremonies.
Wh. I likewise return my most humble thanks to your Majesty for your many favours, and the noble presents you have been pleased to bestow on me and on my company.
Qu. Sir, you mock me; I am troubled I could not do according to that respect which I bear you. This is only a custom of our country to persons of your condition, and I hope you will take it in good part.