Between ten and eleven o'clock at night the master of the ceremonies came
to Whitelocke's house, with one of the Queen's coaches, to bring him to
the wedding at Court. He desired Whitelocke's two sons to go into that
coach, who excused themselves that they had not been in that coach
formerly. The master said that when one went to an audience there were
certain formalities to be observed, but going to a wedding was another
thing; that now the Queen had sent her coach for Whitelocke as her
guest, and it was proper for his sons to go with him. Whitelocke wished
them to observe the direction of the master, who governed in these
things.

They went to the bridegroom's house, where were many of his friends; his
uncle the Ricks-Admiral, Marshal Wrangel, and other senators and
noblemen. As soon as Whitelocke alighted out of the coach, the
bridegroom's brother was there to receive him and bid him welcome; near
the door the bridegroom met him, and gave him thanks for the favour in
honouring his wedding with his presence. Whitelocke said he was very
ready to testify his respects to the nobility of this country, and
particularly to himself, and took it for an honour to be invited into
such company.

Whitelocke was instructed by the master of the ceremonies, that by the
custom of this country the bridegroom takes place of the King, and the
bride of the Queen, during the solemnities of the wedding; accordingly
Whitelocke gave the right hand to the bridegroom.

After a little discourse they took their coaches;--first the gentlemen,
then the Lords, then the Senators, then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator
Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after
Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence
in the Queen's coach, which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and
the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom's coach last of all, as
the best place. The like order they observed in their going in the
castle. At the head of the stairs the master of the ceremonies met them,
and brought them to the presence-chamber, where the Queen was with the
bride and a great company of gallant ladies. The bridegroom kissed her
Majesty's hand, and then the bride's hand; the rest of the company did
the like. Between the Queen and Whitelocke passed a little discourse.

_Whitelocke._ Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me
to these solemnities.

_Queen._ It is an honour to us that