After the sacred ceremony a reception was held at the palace to receive the congratulations of all, and a state dinner was served at six. The Queen of Prussia had brought out the first toast to the newly married pair, and salutes from the cannons, German and Roumanian National Hymns, and speeches, &c., animated the banquet. Meanwhile a general illumination lighted up the streets of Neuwied. To the most distant suburbs the houses were decked with flags and garlands, draperies and transparencies.
The youthful pair then drove through the town, amidst the hearty cheers of the people, and accompanied by their august guests. The cheers that welcomed them were not official. They sounded like greetings of joy and blessing. And not only the town of Neuwied, but the whole principality, shared in the enthusiasm of that festive day. Hearty cheers for the princely pair resounded from all sides, and seventy-four places in the principality of Wied had sent in addresses of congratulations on that day.
The Prince of Roumania and his bride were afterwards conducted to Monrepos, where they spent the remaining time, which the Princess was to pass in her old home. The following day the young pair gave a family dinner party. The municipality and the leading citizens had arranged a brilliant ball for that evening in their honour. On the second day the princely family gave a concert in the new concert hall, where Otto von Konigslaw performed with the famous Quartette of Cologne, and the band of the Queen of Prussia’s Regiment assisted. After the concert a magnificent display of fireworks took place in front of the castle. And so the people of Neuwied saw the Princess whom they had so fondly named “Our Elizabeth” for the last time in her own home. And she has remained “Our Elizabeth” to them till the present day, and is received in the same enthusiastic manner when she returns amongst them.
The young pair had started on their journey to Roumania on the 18th of November. With happy confidence Princess Elizabeth followed the husband of her choice. No political reasons, but a true union of their hearts, had united them. Stern duties awaited them in the unknown land. But they encountered them unflinchingly and zealously. A poem which was published five years after in her first work, styled “Roumanian Poetry,” shows that in her new home she thought of her own country with unaltered affection.
With the words of this song we will close the history of the life of Princess Elizabeth in the home of her parents.
“Thou Land of Vines! thou leafy shore!
Thou rippling, silver river!
Thy glitter’s gone, thy song is o’er,
Parted we are for ever!
Oft, oft my tearful eyes I close,
And hear thee warbling, welling;
On thy bright breast the vessel goes,
The breeze its sails is swelling.
That I the loveliest German home
Once had my happy lot in,
Constrains that, till to death I come,
It ne’er can be forgotten!”
—Translated by Sir Edwin Arnold.