Queen Victoria’s journal- The birth of Victoria Eugénie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887

On 24th October 1887, Victoria Eugénie, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle.

“Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very ill, but went to bed again, & during the day hardly left her. Only at 4, after a terrible long difficult time, the baby appeared, to our great joy & relief, a very large, fine girl, but she was nearly stillborn. Liko gave the baby into my arms, wishing me joy of my little Jubilee grandchild. We had passed through terribly anxious hours, & I feel how much we owe to Dr Williams’s great dexterity, in bringing the Baby safely into the world. It was carried into Beatrice’s sitting room, where Ld J. Manners was waiting. — Lenchen was with us the whole time, & most helpful & kind. — Took ½ an hour’s turn in the victoria, with J. Ely to get a little fresh air. — Wen I went in to see dear Beatrice, she was resting quite quietly, & doing well. —“

25th October:

“Fine bright, & mild. — Darling Beatrice had had a fair night, but was feeling rather exhausted & weak, & she was kept very quiet. — All the people here are so delighted at the birth of her little girl in Scotland. They look upon her quite as a Scotch. It is the first time that there has been a birth in the Royal Family in Scotland, since 1602! — Resting & writing. — Drove in the afternoon with Lenchen & Harriet P. — Sat a little, before dinner with dear Beatrice, who was feeling rather better. The doctor is quite satisfied with her condition. —“