On 27th July 1889, Louise, Princess Royal, daughter of Prince Albert Edward “Bertie”, later King Edward VII, and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, married Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife at the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace.
©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III
“Very dark & dull. — Had rather a bad night, & a good deal of pain. — Only Louis breakfasted with us. — Dressed for the wedding. Wore a black & silver brocade dress, with a pattern of rose, shamrock & thistle woven into it. At 12 we all went downstairs, & all the Royal Family assembled in the 43 room. Almost directly afterwards, Alix arrived with little Louise. The processions were then formed, mine first, with all the Royal Family preceding me, the Husbands & Wives leading each other, & good Louis me. Alix walked with her 2 Brothers, for Willie of Greece had also come this morning. The Chapel looked very nice, decorated with beautiful flowers, & some sacred pictures on the walls, which Louise & Beatrice had arranged. The music was good. The Arch Bishop of Canterbury performed the service, & when it was over, the young Couple left the Chapel first, followed by us all. Louise’s Bridesmaids were, her 2 sisters, 2 first cousins, Lenchen’s girls, her 2nd cousin May Teck, & the 3 Gleichen girls, all dressed entirely in pink. Louise was very pale, & seemed very nervous. We went into the 44 Room, where the signing of the Register took place, & then at once to luncheon, — all the Royalties & the Bridesmaids. Luncheon was in the Dining Room, & I sat between Willie of Greece (who was very amiable) & Mc Duff. At desert, I gave out the health of the Bridge & Bridegroom, with every good wish for their happiness. I also drank Willie of Greece’s health, & he proposed mine. After luncheon we went into the Picture Gallery, to speak to all the guests. Good old Ld & Ly Sydney were there, looking very well, also the Gladstones, besides all the Ministers.
Then I waited in the White Drawing room until Bertie & Alix, with Louise & Mc Duff came back from being photographed. They took leave, & I hurried to the other side of the Palace, where I watched from the balcony of the centre room Louise & Mc Duff drive away, in his smart Chariot. There were great crowds & much cheering. I went to undress, & felt very tired. – At 4 I left Buckingham Palace, just as we came, only the Dss of Atholl replaced Leila Erroll. Took leave of dear Louis, who is leaving again tomorrow. Drove with Beatrice, Liko & the Dss of Atholl to Victoria Station There was much cheering. Had a smooth crossing & the Fleet saluted as we passed. A beautiful evening. Reached Osborne at 8. -”
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