Thursday, April 23, English (not Gregorian) calendar. Westminster Abbey. James II, Duke of York, and Maria Beatrice d’Este are crowned. Maria Beatrice, originally from the Duchy of Modena, wears a sumptuous purple and gold velvet cloak trimmed with ermine, lined with white satin, with a long train held at the shoulders by pearl cords, a diamond circlet around her head, and a gown studded with precious gems. Also present are the Queen’s Lord Chamberlain, Godolphin, and the Deputy Chamberlain, Strikland. Both will stand by the Queen throughout the long years of misfortune, even in exile, until her death. Modena’s minister in London, Rizzini, is also present, noting with satisfaction the popular enthusiasm: the hatred toward the Catholic heirs seems (temporarily) assuaged. After the crown, the new king receives the ring, the scepter, the staff of equality and mercy, and the royal ornaments. She is given a scepter of gold and gems, and on her finger a ring with a large ruby and 16 smaller rubies. Her crown, inscribed “Queen of Modena,” is still kept in the Tower of London today. At the banquet, featuring 175 different dishes, among others, are served: venison tongues, lamb kidneys, cockscombs, Bologna sausages, Portuguese eggs, Dutch beef, and pistachio cream.
