The prince's entourage and the receptions at Segovia and Valladolid

The Prince of Wales left El Escorial on 9 September 1623. About fifty officials and servants had been sent out in advance, with carts loaded with benches and tables, wineskins and panniers, basins, dishes and bowls, silver and glass, tablecloths, candlesticks and other utensils necessary for cooking and serving the table.

The prince's entourage

He traveled in a coach from His Majesty's Stables, fitted with new wheels and upholstery, and his chests of clothing and jewellery were carried in another. Like him, Buckingham and the ambassador Sir Walter Aston also traveled by coach, followed by the English lords, gentlemen and servants who attended to his grooming and dressing.

On the Spanish side, the Count of Monterrey and two other state councilors rode in mule litters; together with the Count of Gondomar and a secretary, the five formed a council entrusted with ensuring the success of the trip and His Highness's satisfaction. In a row of two, the German and Spanish guards escorted them all.

The receptions at Segovia and Valladolid

The passing of this entourage would be a spectacle, just like the “entertainment, celebration and good reception” that Philip IV had ordered to be offered to him along the way, as if he were his own person.

Accordingly, in Segovia, the English prince received a platter of newly minted gold and silver coins, trout pastries and dairy delicacies, a horse tournament, luminaries and bulls and lodgings for the night in the Alcázares.

In Valladolid, he was welcome with banners, musicians and harquebusiers, the best merchandise from the merchants was displayed in the streets and he was presented with the Giambologna sculpture and the Veronese painting that had delighted him during his afternoon visit to the Huerta de la Ribera, before returning to the Royal Palace to dine, watch the luminaries and fireworks from the balcony and retire to sleep.