Felicia Mirza, Thame's Sinaia news correspondent has published an article about Prince Nicholas of Romania’s wedding. Sinaia is Thame’s Twin Town based in Prahova County, Romania. The two towns have been twinned since 2012.
The wedding of Former Prince Nicolae of Romania and Alina Binder was a moment in time to be remembered.A moment when nature itself mirrored their feelings of love and the beginning of their happiness.
Sinaia,my town,the Pearl of the Carpathians,located at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains,on the Prahova Valley ,was the witness to this wonderful wedding.
All the moments were planned in such a way that sinaians and visitors could attend and enjoy the religious ceremony which was held at the church in Sinaia, on Sunday, the 30th of September.The foundation stone of church- that bears the name Saint Elijah- was laid in the presence of king Carol ll and the royal family,on 26th September,1933.Those who wanted to be part of the wedding were able to see the ceremony on a big screen installed outside the church.
The religious wedding was officiated by a group of priests led by Calinic,Archbishop of Arges and Muscel,two important counties of Romania.
People, forest, mountain peaks ( the best watchmen at an altitude of 2505 m.),the whole nature took part in a unique episode celebrating life:a wedding.The episode reminded me of a fairy tale in which the traditional elements of the folktale brought a distinctive note of belonging ,of pride and appreciation of national values.
Alina Maria Binder wore a beautiful dress made with traditional Romanian adornments.
Copper woods , silver forests ,the blue reflexion of the sky on the ground ,the red leaves falling to the rhythm of a delightful autumn waltz made a wonderful picture. Pigeons in the street, as if carrying the symbol of peace, joined us in their flight and I could hear the sound of birds ,the whisper of the light breeze.I could read love on the hundreds of faces gathered to watch the royal carriage coming from the church and making its way to the Casino where the reception was organized.
Former Prince Nicolae, grandson of the late king Michael ,and Alina Binder were met with love and admiration by the locals , in fairy tale like atmosphere on their wedding day.
Watching the young couple in their carriage ,suddenly,lines from Love’s Philosophy by P.B.Shelley came to my mind:
”Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?— ”
Down to earth again. Walk to the Casino through the park which seemed smaller because it was full of people waiting for Nicolae and Alina Maria Binder to come out in the balcony of the Casino and greet them.
What I liked most was the message our Mayor Vlad Oprea passed to Nicolae Medforth-Mills and Alina Binder in the church.
”Dear Nicolae,
Dear Alina, Sinaia has always been home to the Romanian Kings.Whatever the times and hardships they had been through,they have come home.
Royalty is where people recognize it.It is where humanity is above titles. Today I witness the royal family’s continuity.The only Prince,the grandson of a great king has found his Princess.
My duty is to serve ‚’the sinaians’,Your duty is to serve the Romanians.
Romania loves you.Love her back!Long life like a fairy tale with princes and princesses!”
To such powerful words ,all I can do is to add my wishes for a lifetime of happiness and love always.
