Princess Leonor : The Fleur de Lys and The Lion (English Version)

10. The Vows and the Oath

There were so many preparations to be made for the wedding day. There is not much time. The engagement was announced in November. The wedding would take place on February 1, 2032. Umberto had to convert to Roman Catholicism from the Orthodox faith. Leonor had to prepare every detail of her wedding dress. The wedding was scheduled to take place at the Cathedral de Almudena in Madrid, where Leonor's parents had previously married. Leonor chose both Sofias as bridesmaids. Meanwhile, Umberto chose his cousin, Boris, as best man.

A few days before the wedding, Umberto received the order of Carlos III, which was light blue with a white stripe in the middle, as well as a new coat of arms. Three lily flowers (fleur-de-lys) on a blue background and red frame are the symbol of the Bourbon-Anjou royal house, the family of Leonor. A yellow Lion on a red background is the symbol of the Kingdom of Bulgaria.

Guests from all over Europe and other major countries in the world are invited. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian government rejected the invitation that wrote Umberto's name as Principe Umberto de Bulgaria. Royal titles are no longer recognized in Bulgaria.

As a winter wedding, Leonor's dress was equipped with fur on both sleeves. The tiara chosen is the floral tiara. The dress is equipped with a 2 meter long veil.

Leonor walked down the aisle accompanied by King Felipe VI. Even though he looked thin and frail, Felipe managed to get to the altar. It was there that he gave her daughter to her future husband. Leonor and Umberto made their marriage vows before the Bishop of Madrid.

"I, Umberto accept you Leonor as wife and I give myself to you. I promise in joy, in sorrow, in health, in sickness, every day of my life"

"I, Leonor accept you Umberto as husband and I give myself to you. I promise in joy, in sorrow, in health, in sickness, every day of my life"

They officially became husband and wife and Umberto became The Prince of Asturias.

The event continued with a procession to the Royal Palace of Madrid in a Rolls-Royce. From the balcony of the palace, the new couple and their respective parents waved to the people who were waiting.

Viva la Princesa!
Viva el Principe!
Viva el Rey!
Viva la Reina!

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Their honeymoon took a route around the world. From Spain depart for Casablanca, Morocco, then across the Atlantic ocean to Jamaica in the Caribbean islands, then to the historical site of Machu Picchu in Peru. From there they would see the Great Barrier Reefs in Australia, then to Dubai, UAE. Then they would return to Spain.

However, the honeymoon route was never completed.

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Leonor and Umberto had just arrived at the hotel after exploring Machu Picchu when his assistant, Mercedes, greeted them with a strange expression. Mercedes performed a curtsy, with her legs bent and her body lowered in front of Leonor.

"What's wrong, Merce? Why are you so strange?" Leonor shook Mercedes' shoulder. But Mercedes didn't answer.

From the other room, Rodrigo, Leonor's senior bodyguard, walked towards the couple. Rodrigo said
"El rey ha muerto, viva la reina. The King is dead, long live the Queen." while lowering his head.
"WHAT? PAPAAAA" Leonor tremblingly looked for her mother's phone number and tried to call her.
Umberto was no less surprised.
"Rodrigo, is that true? Explain it." Umberto shook Rodrigo's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Your Royal Highness. It's true. We got a call from the kingdom while you were still at Machu Picchu." Rodrigo answered.
Hearing what Rodrigo said, Leonor didn't call her mother. He looked for a handhold and sat down in the nearest chair. Leonor couldn't even cry. Umberto knelt in front of Leonor.

"Viva Su Majestad La Reina Leonor. Long live Her Majesty the Queen Leonor." said Umberto while holding his wife's hand.

Leonor's brain was full of confusions. How could that happen? Papa still dropped us off at the airport the other day.
The doctor said Papa was showing progress.
Am I the queen now? NOW?

But she suppressed all her thoughts and tears as best as she could. Rodrigo and Mercedes must not see her weak. Leonor stood up and said
"Mercedes, prepare to leave for Spain immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty."

Leonor then went to her room and cried as much as she could. She remembered all the memories with her father. When Papa held him when she was little. When Papa taught herto ride. When Papa taught her about statecraft even though she was sleepy. When watching football together with Papa. When Papa walked her down the aisle.

"Leonor, are you okay?" Umberto knocked on their bedroom door.
"I'm okay. I just need some time alone." Leonor tried to make her voice as normal as possible.
"Okay. If you need anything, I'll be right up front."

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Getting off the plane, Leonor and Umberto were greeted by Letizia, Sofia, and Umberto's parents. They all paid their respects to the new queen. They all wore black clothes as a sign of mourning.

Leonor would also take her oath as queen on that day in front of the prime minister, his cabinet, and parliamentarians at the parliament building. The event was broadcasted live on national TV.

"I, Leonor de Borbon Ortiz promise faithfully to carry out my duties, to guard the Constitution and the law, and to respect the rights of the people and communities." Leonor said firmly in front of the Bible. With this, Leonor officially becomes the youngest monarch in the world at the age of 26.

Next, just like a month ago when Leonor got married, there was a parade to the Royal Palace of Madrid. Leonor, Umberto, Letizia and Sofia waved at the people who were waiting.

VIVA LA REINA.
VIVA LA REINA LEONOR.
VIVA SU MAJESTAD LA REINA LEONOR.

_____the end_____