An Editorial Article about HRH The Crown Princess, Mary Elizabeth, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess, Crown Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat."
HRH The Crown Princess New Official Galla Portraits of The Crown Prince Couple Kongehuset Photo Hasse Nielsen ©
Today I am highlighting someone that I consider a wonderful example and a champion of the Danish and Australian people, Mary Elizabeth, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess, Crown Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat. I am pleased to give you an editorial series that positively talks about Princess Mary and her achievements and the mark she has left for generations to come. In the month of February, I will be spotlighting areas of Princess Mary and the Royal Danish Court:
Princess Mary in her role as HRH
History of the Danish Royal Family
Etiquette of Royal Families
Royal Dining Etiquette
Princess Mary in her role as HRH
History of the Danish Royal Family
Etiquette of Royal Families
Royal Dining Etiquette
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Why have I focused on Crown Princess Mary today? Many I speak to admire Princess Mary. Who would have thought an Australian making their way into a notable Scandinavian royal family! Well, she did it on the premises of love. Let’s get to know the Crown Princess better. The Crown Princess was born Hobart, Tasmania, Australia as Mary Elizabeth Donaldson. She is the youngest daughter parent to John Donaldson and Henrietta Donaldson; The Crown Princess has two sisters and one brother. Where is Tasmania you may ask? It is a small island that makes up the seven states of Australia. Tasmania is known as the ‘island of contrasts’ where you can hike on rugged mountains, bathe in cleanest coastlines, picnic in the calmest bays, walk in native forests and the eat freshest produce you can find in Australia.
The Crown Princess Early Years The Crown Princess’s early years began in Texas. Returning to Hobart, The Crown Princess attended school the University of Tasmania graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Law. Her further education continued, working for advertising agencies in Melbourne, Australia. Princess Mary was already well-travelled in her younger years and came from an emigree family that originated from Scotland. After achieving a university education and working in her areas of expertise, she travelled throughout Europe and the United Kingdom which included Scotland. Princess Mary worked in Scotland and for a short time in Paris, Melbourne and Sydney. |
New Official Galla Portraits of The Crown Prince Couple Kongehuset Photo Hasse Nielsen ©
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Princess Mary Today
Since her marriage Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Princess's Mary has learnt to speak, fluently in Danish. Danish is not an easy language to learn however over time she has been able to be accomplished in this Nordic language. Her acceptance of the Danish culture can be seen in many family photos. You will see her dressed in national costume wearing traditional clothing from The Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland. The Crown Prince Couple resides with their family in Frederik VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg and in the Chancellery House at Fredensborg Palace. To assist Princess Mary to accomplish her many roles and look after the day-to-day palace many routines, available to her the secretariat, service unit and household staff. The staff assist her in making international visits, attend ceremonies, making visits to Danish forces around the world. Princess The Advocate Princess's Mary is a passionate advocate for disadvantaged migrants, integration and fundraising projects, health and empowerment focusing on women, adolescent girls and children. You can find her to be the patron of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, Twins Research Australia, Healthcare Denmark, University of Tasmania, European Emergency Medical Services Congress, Danish Cultural Institute. In 2007 Princess Mary announced the opening of the Mary Foundation which dedicates funds focusing on three areas such as bullying, well-being, domestic violence and loneliness. After marriage in 2004, throughout her years, Princess Mary has displayed an elegant, timeless and classic style and has featured in Vanity Fair’s annual best-dressed list, Vogue Australia, Germany, Woman Weekly Australia. She makes a point to wear Danish designers clothing and jewellery which has made famous brands such as Ole Lynggaard Jewellery, Copenhagen designer David Andersen. Perhaps one day we will see Princess Mary will be the first Australian-born to be queen consort upon the ascension of her husband! |
Stay tuned… Theres more to come!
I'm fascinated by the golden-era of history... Otherwise, the Gilded Age."
- Elizabeth Soos | Founder of Auersmont School of Etiquette
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A period in time marked by great wealth, accumulated by a very few people. People who became not only well-known for their business accomplishments, but their lavish spending. Many became the titans of their industries and their names and legacies remain well-known to this day. Names like Vanderbilt, Carnegie and Astor.
The term 'Gilded Age' comes from a book title by popular American author Mark Twain, who, along with Charles Dudley Warner, referring to the era as a 'Gilded Age.' It was not only a reference to all of the wealth being accumulated by a celebrated few, but the literal gilding which seemed to cover so much of the design, furnishings and personal baubles which came to highlight and define that golden age in history. |
Ochre Court, Newport, Rhode Island | Pic Canva
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And golden it was! It was a time where gilding was a feature throughout houses and the dining table. There was no expense spared for entertaining the famous, royalty, society, acquaintances, friends and family. This was the era where the table was carefully arranged with brilliant crystals and cut glass, twinkling together with gilded silverware, set upon fine linens and accompanied by bright floral arrangements.
The United States had been underwritten by major industrial growth. Americans especially came into unbelievable wealth and conjured up every sort of implement possible to make life and dining a spectacular show and have society tongues wagging… in the right way! What did the Gilded Age mean in terms of etiquette? Etiquette expanded itself to new modern devices of the table, transport and social scenes. It was where old forms of etiquette were adapted or thrown out due to the new modern industrial age and new rising social scenes of the western world. |
Figure 1 | Maura Graber Etiquette Collection
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Figure 2 | Maura Graber Etiquette Collection
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THE GILDED AGE TABLE
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What would those of the Gilded Age want on their table? Everything imaginable! Let’s take a look……What would the Gilded Age table have seen? Figure 1 displays a few items that we still see today, butter spreader, children's flatware minus a food pusher. Children were encouraged to eat correctly at the table and cutlery was especially made. The food pusher was an item made for children, even up till 1940-1950's. The butter knife has slowly disappeared and today we would use knives straight from the butchers block.
Interestingly the jelly knife is featured in this catalogue. This type of jelly knife would most probably refer to sweet gelatin dessert. The first recorded jelly dessert was in the 18th century book The Art of Cookery by Hannah Glasse. Jelly was found sandwiched between layers of the trifle, a delectable sweet table pleasure. Figure 2 is the crème de la crème of the Gilded Age. These flatware or serving ware was made for every dish or food that was eaten by those of the time. You are probably wondering why so many different flatware? Those that had money would purchase such products as a display of wealth and the etiquette of the day was that it was a no-no to touch food with your fingers. The flatware featured are as follows: lettuce spoon and fork, oyster fork, small olive spoon and fork, olive fork and spoon. How did the Gilded Age table look like with all these implements on it? |
Figure 1 | Maura Graber Etiquette Collection
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Figure 2 | Maura Graber Etiquette Collection
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GILDED AGE PARTY & EVENTSThe Gilded Age was about showing your new found wealth and those who maintained 'old money' also stepped out to let others they were still there. One of the most famous events was noted in the daily paper held at the Astor's 5th Avenue 'double' residence. 300 guests were invited who all were "prominent representatives of New York society". Their invitations noted that they must attend in 'full dress'. What did this mean?
Full dress referred to women dressing in evening gowns with jewellery ordered and shipped from Cartier or Bvlgari via Europe. Wearing together with exotic perfumes from the Orient, highly coiffured hairstyles, silk gloves and an ornate purse. Most likely women would make preparations in getting ready, an all day event with the help of staff. The men would dress in black dress coats with white vest and cravat with accessories such as white gloves, top hat and walking cane. |
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What was served at the Astor's magnificent ball? Using Mrs Astors "solid silver table service" a midnight supper menu was found to serve the following items:
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Consommé à la Princesse
Térapène Filet de boeuf aux champignons frais et truffes Canard canvasback rôti Salade de céleri et laitue Sandwiches assortis Glaces de fantaisies Biscuit glacé biscuit Tortoni Gâteaux assortis Gelée macédoine Charlotte Parisienne Fruits Bonbons Café Champagne Claret Cup Lemonade Poland water |
Clear broth soup
North American turtle soup Beef with champignon mushrooms and truffles Roast Canvasback duck Celery and lettuce salad Assorted sandwiches Ice-cream based recipe Ice-cream with crumbled biscuit and fruit Assorted cakes Fruit salad jelly Cream sponge finger cake Assorted fruits Assorted sweets and nuts Assorted beveridge's including coffee, champagne, claret, lemonade and water imported from Poland |
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With the help of Larousse Gastronomique, I have interpreted the dishes that this extravaganza would have served during the early hours of the morning. Why would a French written menu appear in New York? The handwritten menu featured in Europe in royal houses such as King Louis XIV, which still survives today. This menu was written in 1757 where guests were entertained by the king at Château de Choisy, it was placed on the table revealing 4 courses and dessert. This tradition has continued on till today, interesting, Queen Elizabeth has her menus written in French for everyday dining and state events.
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GILDED AGE CLOTHING
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The Gilded Age was an age where men, children and women especially wore many layers of garments that flowed elegantly to the floor. Women styles encouraged the use of brightly coloured materials and fabrics with waist altering corsets to 'promote the perfect shape' for the time. Men's fashion garnered the creation of many different suits, hats and accessories. It was a must for those invited, to wear the appropriate clothing for events such as high tea, garden parties, luncheons and formal dining events. Everyone was expected to wear an array of outfits suiting the occasion and styles of the season. Those fortunate to have the backing of wealth, brought with them an assistant who would act as a dresser and stylist, changing dresses, shoes, accessory's, hat's and hairstyles changes during the day to evening, perhaps they even had a Louis Vuitton trunk with these necessary items.
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Most notably of the gilded age fashions was the use of the corsets and bodices. Corsets were made from silk, lace and strong cotton material that had whale bone sewn into it which helped females to achieve the 'figure 8' look. The bodice was tightly laced together, with the help of her assistant and always accompanied a dress, no matter the occasion. The style of the time was called the 'princess line' which originated with Princess of Wales, Princess Alexandra. This style was also called French-dart-line dress which had long panels without a join or separated at the waist. These long seams helped to give its wearer a slimline appearance showing off the 'model' waist together with long sleeves and high neckline.
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Part of the gilded age women's ensemble was to wear cape or otherwise known as a dolman-style-mantle. This allowed for warmth in cool climates and worn inside for short periods of time during a visit. The cape also kept a person warm in a carriage and easy to manoeuvre when getting in and out and up and down stairs.
Hat's was a complimentary must! Hat's came in all sort of shapes, sizes and designs. Hats could have come trimmed with lace, feathers, satin or velvet ribbons. The wearing of hat continued too the advent of second world war. |
Men's style was also as elaborate as women and children's wear. It was popular to wear a morning or frock coat along with a top hat. Those that were middle class wore sack coat which paired with a bowler hat. Later on during the gilded age men favoured single-breasted suits and gracing evening events was the tuxedo.
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The invention of the tuxedo is a tale of two cities. The first story was said to have originated from Tuxedo Park, an upstate New York country playground for Manhattan's wealthiest elite. The second story was that in 1865, King Edward VII commissioned a Savile Row tailor - Henry Poole & Co., to tailor a dinner suit for informal occasions, he would have with family and friends, known to the British as a 'dinner jacket' and the the Americans 'tuxedo'. It was where the tailcoat lost it tail and became a jacket.
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Later in the gilded age, due to good weather, nature and money spent on sprawling estates, women entertained outside whether it be garden parties, trying 'modern' inventions such as the bicycle, or participating in acceptable games such as badminton, golf, tennis, croquet or swimming. Children were encouraged to stay outdoors as it was deemed 'good for ones health'. New clothing was created to accommodate new ventures such as athletic wear and bathing costumes.
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For More About the Gilded Age
New period drama in the works by the creator of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and The Young Victoria, Julian Fellowes has a new HBO series, coming soon.... HBO describes the nine-part series where "the story begins in 1882 — introducing young Marian Brook, the orphaned daughter of a Union general, who moves into the New York City home of her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an accomplished African-American woman, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell." |
www.hbo.com/the-gilded-age
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www.etiquipedia.blogspot.com
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www.etiquipedia.blogspot.com
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Elizabeth feels a strong connection to the past; specifically with how people lived and interacted. Going back in time to understand the future. ie., where did handshakes come from? And, why do you use one specific fork for eating a particular item? Those that influenced etiquette. Learning the history behind these codes of conduct, where they were created, and how they've adapted throughout the centuries, is a way for Elizabeth to bring her vision of etiquette to life and move forward to the future. As her research unfolds, you will get updates right here at The Auersmont Articles....
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