In Chapter Seven “Human Interests (Faits Divers)–Such a Deal of Wonder,” Stephens recounts the details surrounding the news coverage of England’s King Henry VII’s daughter Mary to Prince Charles, “heir to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire,” in 1508.
Charles V
Mary Tudor
Despite the wedding not taking place for political reasons, a printed pamphlet of the announcement of the ceremony containing minute information about the wedding was released.
The information included the seating arrangement for guests in relation to where King Henry VII was to be seated.
Stephens says that the reason for all these details about royal weddings is because “the events depicted were more extravagant and magnificent than anything else in their readers’ experience.”
This can still be seen today on TV coverage of modern day royal weddings of famous celebrities and politicians. The most example would be Chelsea Clinton’s wedding over the summer.
During the coverage the wedding, there was much speculation as to what was going on during the ceremony and reception because the Clinton’s did not allow any press inside. However, all major new outlets still had reporters and camera crews ready to film any celebrity sighting or glimpse of the bride and groom.
It seems not much has changed in 500 years and we are still fascinated by our very own “royal weddings.”
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