3 Lescar having ceased to be a bishopric since 1790, its
church, which still exists, no longer ranks as a cathedral.
It was in this quaint old cathedral church, dating, so archaeologists
assert, from the eleventh century, that Margaret’s remains were interred
with all due pomp and ceremony. The Duchess of Estouteville headed the
procession, followed by the Duke of Montpensier, the Duke of Nevers,
the Duke of Aumale, the Duke of Etampes, the Marquis of Maine, and M. de
Rohan. Then came the _grands deuils_ or chief mourners, led by the Duke
of Vendôme, and three lords carrying the crown, sceptre, and hand of
justice. The Viscount of Lavedan officiated as grand master of the
ceremonies, and special seats were assigned to the States of Navarre,
Foix, Bearn, and Bigorre, and to the chancellor, counsellors, and barons
of the country; whilst on a platform surrounded by lighted tapers
there was displayed an effigy of the Queen robed in black.(1) After the
ceremony a banquet was served in accordance with Bearnese custom, the
chief mourners being invited to the Duke of Vendôme’s table, whilst the
others were served in different rooms.(2)