“A dreadful day. — Dear Alix came to breakfast. She showed us a letter she had got from poor Louis. — The Govt had a Majority of 110 on Mr Fawcett’s motion, also about India. — It was fine bright, though cold, which we rejoiced at on account of today’s sad ceremony. Just a month, to the day that sweet little May was carried to her rest. — Resting on the sofa. — Had many letters, including a long & beautiful one from dear Vicky, who is in the deepest distress. — Just as we finished luncheon, Arthur arrived, having left Berlin on Monday night & landed this morning. He was much distressed. — At 12.30, the hour at which our darling Alice, was to be carried to the Rosenhöhe, a funeral service having first taken place in the Schloss. I went with dear Alix, on whose arm I leant, & who has been a real devoted sympathizing daughter to me, followed by Lenchen, Beatrice, Affie & Marie, George C. & Mary (these 4 come down specially) & Arthur, to the private Chapel, which was as full as it could hold, with all our people, in deep mourning. Sir George Elvey played the organ, & a portion of the Choir from St. George’s attended. […]
©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III
[…] When we entered Beethoven’s Funeral March, from the Symphony Eroica, most sad & beautiful, was played. Then the poor Dean, whose voice shook with emotion, read the opening sentences. & greater part of the Burial Service, with a touching special prayer. After the Lesson came Sir G. Elvey’s short & fine anthem, sung at the Mausoleum last year, & at the conclusion of the service that beautiful Hymn “My God my Father while I stray, — Far from my home on life’s rough way, — Teach me from my heart to say, — Thy will be done”, The plaintive melody is so affecting. This most impressive services terminated with the benediction. It had only lasted ½ an hour, & visibly impressed all. — I bore up till the “Dead March “in Saul, “was played, as we left the Chapel, & we all shed many a tear. George C. & Mary, were very much affected, as they both loved our darling dearly. They & Affie & Marie, left directly again. I returned to my room, overwhelmed with grief & went into the Blue Room, where knelt in prayer, & became gradually quieter & more composed. – Read a sad letter, from Frau Straecker to Beatrice, describing the last hours. She was not present, but saw darling Alice afterwards. In 3 hours it was no longer considered prudent for any one to go in. How dreadful! The streets were crowed with people watching all night, as they knew how their Gd Duchess was battling with life. – Took a short walk in the afternoon, with Beatrice & Arthur, who is turn in pieces with his own affairs & people’s wishes at Berlin, which are not of the most considerate kind. – Resting, reading the papers. Letters & telegrams, quite endless. – After dinner, I showed Alix, my darling Alice’s beautiful letters, about Louis’ & the Children’s illness, which are doubly heartrending to read now. She was much affected by them. Heard late, from Leopold: “Just returned from Darmstadt, & sad ceremony. All went off well & was most impressive. Very painful. – Saw Louis”. Ld Hertford, who went, to represent me, also telegraphed.”
http://www.queenvictoriasjournals.org/
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012 © Bodleian Libraries © ProQuest
How heart-rendering to have both events on the same day but years apart. Victoria not only lost her dearest love but to lose children as well, no parent should ever have to deal with that. I love how descriptive she was in her journals. You could almost feel her grief. I look forward to your next blog entry. Thanks for all you do, Shannon.