Spring Hunting
The aristocracy of Europe once regarded hunting as a grand spectacle to showcase their privileges, with large game like wild boar and elk considered exclusive prey for nobles. This tradition, deeply rooted in nobility, was a privilege bestowed upon them for a considerable period.
Among the ardent hunters of the European nobility was Constantine's grandfather, King Christian IX of Denmark, who fervently indulged in hunting during the spring and autumn seasons. A peculiar twist of fate occurred when Constantine's father, George, ascended to the throne of Greece in 1862 at the young age of 18, while Christian, concurrently, was the crown prince of Denmark.
This unusual circumstance led to a unique moment in history where son and father both held the title of king simultaneously. In due course, Christian would become the crowned king of Denmark, marking a rare chapter in royal lineages.
On this particular day, Constantine sported an exquisite shotgun gifted by his grandfather during a previous hunting expedition. The firearm, adorned with painted red-brown walnut wood and intricate silver embossing, was a testament to skilled craftsmanship.
Donned in a tight red hunting suit, high boots, and a black felt hat, Constantine made his way to the yard, accompanied by the resonant barking of 30 hounds. These hounds, of diverse colors and patterns, eagerly awaited their master's attention.
Constantine, with the precious double-barreled shotgun in hand, greeted each hound individually. The dogs, closely associated with Constantine, responded with joy, wagging their tails vigorously.
The Tatoi Palace, sprawling over 4,500 hectares on the mountainside north of Athens, offered an ideal hunting ground surrounded by forests and grasslands.
In the midst of preparing for the day's hunt, Constantine inquired with Butler Cape about the arrival of the invited guests. The guests, comprising several young individuals armed with shotguns and accompanied by carriages, were on their way.
Nina, Constantine's maid with a special status resembling that of an aristocrat, joined the scene dressed in a black hunting suit and a black felt hat. Her attire exuded the spirit of a heroic huntress, refusing to conform to conventional gender norms.
"Nina, are you going hunting too?" Constantine inquired.
Excitedly perched on a white horse, Nina responded, "How can I miss such a splendid outing season?"
Nina's unique position, supported by Miss Avrolla and favored by Queen Olga, elevated her beyond the conventional role of a maid.
As the guests arrived, led by Gian Goldberry, George Steve, and Costerbloom, Constantine warmly welcomed them. These individuals hailed from affluent families, with the Goldberry family linked to the National Bank of Greece and the Costerblo family associated with the Greek Alpha Bank.
The entourage included several wealthy young ladies dressed in elaborate long skirts, and their arrival was met with courtly etiquette and a gracious welcome from Constantine.
In Greece's unique historical context, with its recent independence from the Ottoman Turks, nobility was a rare commodity. Consequently, most guests hailed from merchant families, providing a distinctive composition to the gathering.
With the assembly complete, Constantine signaled the commencement of the hunting expedition. The horse-riding young men and elegantly dressed ladies in carriages set forth, marking the beginning of a tradition deeply cherished by the European upper class in the 19th century.
The pack of hounds, unleashed and guided by their master, trailed behind the procession as they ventured towards the expansive hunting grounds. The anticipation for a day of outdoor pursuits and nature's embrace resonated among the privileged ensemble, making this hunting excursion a grand affair.
The Tatoi Palace, with its rich history and sprawling landscapes, set the stage for an aristocratic escapade into the untamed beauty of the outdoors.