Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Count Folke has arrived for his wedding


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November 26, 1928

Count Folke Bernadotte, who is the nephew of the King of Sweden, arrived today in New York City on the Swedish-American liner Gripsholm. The Count is engaged to marry Miss Estelle Manville, an American, and the wedding will take place at Pleasantville, New York, next Saturday. He was welcomed by Miss Manville and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Edward Manville, "who experienced some difficulty in boarding the liner because they did not have the passes."

Count Folke was accompanied on the ship by his wedding party, which includes brother, Count Carl Bernadotte and his wife, Marianne; Countess Elsa Bernadotte (sister), Baroness Sophie Fleetwood (sister), Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, who will act as Count Folke's best man; Prince Sigvard of Sweden, Count and Countess Bonde, Count Wachtmeister, Baron Carl Eric von Platen, Count Eric von Rosen, Baron Sigfried Raalamb, and several others.

The Swedish royals were rather affable, and actually sought out reporters. He told them that his father, the Crown Prince, had sent his regards. "He told me that when you asked me who Babe Ruth was I should be sure to know. He thought it was a great joke that he did not know who Babe Ruth was. But of course, I know all about him."

Count Folke said that after the wedding he and his wife would return to Sweden, where he is a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards. When asked about American women, he said that he did not think such a question was necessary. "I've picked one of the best," he said.

The royal party is staying at the Mayfair House. Tomorrow they visit the Stock Exchange and will be the guests of J.P. Morgan at lunch. It is also possible that Count Folke will make a short visit to Washington, D.C.

Tonight Count Folke and his party occupied boxes 17 and 19 and orchestra seats at the Metropolitan Opera House as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Manville, where they saw a performance of "Norma." Later tonight the Estelle's parents  will host a dinner at Mayfair House.

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