On 23rd January 1874, Prince Alfred, fourth child of Queen Victoria, married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, at the Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russia.
©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III
“My mind entirely taken up with today’s great event & I felt it very trying to be absent! May God bless our Child & make him happy. — Breakfasted below with the Children & George. Marie’s picture was surrounded by a wreath of evergreens & some orange flowers, tied with bows of the Russian colours. — Walked out with Beatrice & planted a tree in remembrance of the day, & George also planted one. It was showery. — Sent & received many telegrams. The wedding was to take place at 1, but there are 2 hours difference with the time here. — Had a telegram from Mr Gladstone saying the Cabinet had agreed to the Dissolution. — Drove in the afternoon with Beatrice, Janie E. — Ld Caledon, going by West Cowes & Newport, which were beautifully decorated, & full of people. There were to be illuminations in the evening. — Received a most interesting long letter from Augusta Stanley, dated the 18th. — Read over the marriage service, thinking much of the young couple. — At ½ p. 7 the ships, the guard Ship “Zealous” & the “Royal Alfred” (sister ship) which had come over on purpose from Portsmouth & the “Alberta”, all moored in Osborne Bay, lighted up & displayed fireworks. — My 2 Children, George, Ernest Leiningen, Victor & Lolo Gleichen, the 4 ladies (including Emily Cathcart) the Biddulphs, Ponsonby & Capt: Mildmay dined. At dessert George proposed the healths of the Duke & Dss of Edinburgh, followed by Mine & those of the Empr & Empress of Russia. I wore the star & ribbon of the order of St. Katherine & Beatrice wore her Victoria & Albert order for the first time. Went into the Drawing room for a little while, & then went down to the Servant’s Hall which was very prettily decorated with wreaths & flags where a Servant’s Ball took place. We remained through 10 dances, Beatrice dancing the 1rst Country Dance with George. Little Feo, who came with us looked very pretty. Did not get back to my room till ½ p. 1. Received telegrams from Bertie, Vicky & Ld Sydney saying all had gone of extremely well & the 2 marriages had been very impressive. Heard also that the Banquet for 800 people was over, which was followed by a Ball, all most magnificent. After this the young couple were going to leave. Thought so much of them. May they be happy & keep their happiness longer than I did mine! —”
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