H.R.H. The Crown Prince Davit of Georgia attend Portuguese Royal Wedding ,radiant Infanta Maria-Francisca de Bragança, Duchess of Coimbra and daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bragança, married the charming Dr Duarte de Sousa Araújo Martins is a moving nuptial mass held at the Royal Basilica of Mafra.

The Catholic nuptial mass took place in the Royal Basilica of Mafra and presided over by Cardinal Patriarch Emeritus D. Manuel Clemente and concelebrated by Cardinal D. Américo Aguiar together with bishops and priests. 

Thousands of family and friends attended this happy event held at the UNESCO world heritage site completed in 1755. 

A joyful royal and spiritual event took place in Mafra for the first time since 1910 and this time in the presence of the highest representatives of the republican state which in 1910 seized the reins of power from the king. 

To witness the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa leave the royal basilica accompanying the Duchess of Bragança.

It showed both the dignity and maturity of Portugal’s republican institutions towards the country’s royal family. It showed too the dynasty’s respect for the institutions of the republic which replaced them 113 years ago. 

This was another clear illustration of the maturity of democracy in Portugal, and a recognition on the part of both parties that each had a complimentary role to play in defending, supporting and promoting Portugal.

Representatives of many reigning and non reigning royal and imperial families also attended to support the young couple on their special day. 

It was good to catch up with many  friends of old. This included from Portugal, Jordan, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Belgium, Georgia, Albania and the Prince & Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

The guests were also treated to a feast of Portuguese meat and fish dishes, wines and cakes. 

Truly a memorable day and above all a very happy one for the young couple and their family and friends who were there to support them on their special day.