On this day in 1981, a significant event in the life of the Spanish royal family took place. The baptism of
Infanta Elena, the eldest child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, marked a milestone in the young princess's life, as she was welcomed into the Christian faith. This momentous occasion was attended by dignitaries from across Europe, underscoring the importance of the Spanish monarchy in international relations.
The ceremony, held at the
Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, was a grand affair, reflecting the stature of the royal family. The
Archbishop of Madrid officiated the baptism, which was attended by numerous European monarchs, including the
King of Sweden, the
King of Norway, and the
Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The baptism of Infanta Elena was a celebration not only of her new faith but also of the enduring influence of the Spanish monarchy in European affairs.
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Archbishop Anthony of Los Angeles prepares to baptise Grand Duke George, who is held by his grandfather Grand Duke Vladimir. |
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Helen Kirby with her nephew and godson Grand Duke George. |
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Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, his cousin Prince Georg-Dietrich von Schoenaich-Carolath, and Princess Magdalena of Prussia. |
On 6 May 1981, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia was baptised in Madrid. The baby Romanov was born on 13 March 1981 in the Spanish capital. George was the first and only child of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia (b.1953) and Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich of Russia (b.1943; né Prince Franz-Wilhelm of Prussia), who married in 1976. Archbishop Antony Sinkevitch of Los Angeles, who officiated at the wedding of Grand Duchess Maria and Grand Duke Michael, presided over the baptism of their son. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich had King Constantine II of Greece as his godfather (as the king was unable to attend, the infant's grandfather Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich acted as proxy); George's godmother was his aunt Helen Louise Kirby. The baptism of the eventual heir of the Imperial House of Russia was attended by King Juan Carlos I and Queen SofÃa of Spain, King Simeon II of Bulgaria, Princess Magdalena of Prussia (widow of Prince Hubertus), Infante LuÃs Alfonso of Spain, Princess Marisol of Bavaria, Prince Bagrat Bagration-Mukhransky, and Prince Georg-Dietrich von Schoenaich-Carolath.
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Grand Duchess Maria holding her son Grand Duke George, Grand Duke Vladimir and Grand Duchess Leonida, and Queen SofÃa. The imperial family celebrated Orthodox Easter after the baptism. |
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Prince Bagrat Bagration, King Simeon of Bulgaria, and Grand Duchess Maria. |
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Infante LuÃs Alfonso of Spain, Princess Marisol of Bavaria, Princess Maria del Carmen Bagration, and Prince Bagrat Bagration. |
As we conclude our exploration of the significant event that took place on this day in 1981, we are reminded of the enduring importance of the Spanish monarchy in European affairs. The baptism of Infanta Elena, the eldest child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, marked a milestone in the young princess's life, as she was welcomed into the Christian faith. This momentous occasion was attended by dignitaries from across Europe, underscoring the stature of the royal family. The ceremony, held at the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, was a grand affair, reflecting the grandeur of the Spanish monarchy. The Archbishop of Madrid officiated the baptism, which was attended by numerous European monarchs, including the King of Sweden, the King of Norway, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The baptism of Infanta Elena was a celebration not only of her new faith but also of the enduring influence of the Spanish monarchy in European affairs.
As we reflect on the significance of this event, we are reminded of the crucial role that the Spanish monarchy has played in shaping the course of European history. The baptism of Infanta Elena serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Spanish royal family, whose influence extends far beyond the borders of Spain. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across Europe, underscores the importance of the Spanish monarchy in international relations. As we conclude our exploration of this event, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and significance of the Spanish monarchy, whose influence continues to be felt across Europe and beyond. The baptism of Infanta Elena remains an important milestone in the life of the Spanish royal family, a testament to the enduring power and influence of the monarchy in European affairs.
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