2-889-407 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Spanish Cortes - the Royal Procession to the New Palace of Congress, 1850. Ceremony in Madrid to celebrate the inauguration of the newly built Palacio de las Cortes, seat of the Spanish parliament. The public were admitted for the first time. 'The divisions of the garrison, preceded by their respective bands, marched through the crowd, to take up their appointed positions; and...formed in line, reaching from the Plaza de la Armeria to the steps of the Palace of Congress. The procession was made up of carriages containing Queen Isabella II and other members of the Royal household, and a squadron of cavalry. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.