Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Victoire, Duchess of Kent, 16th March 1861.

On 16th March 1861 Victoire, Duchess of Kent, mother of Queen Victoria, died aged 74 at Frogmore House, Windsor.

“The dreaded terrible calamity has befallen us, which seems like an awful dream, from which I cannot recover. My precious darling Mother has been taken from us this morning at ½ p. 9, peacefully, painlessly. She breathed her last, my hand holding hers to the last moment. What a blessed end! Her gentle spirit at rest, her sufferings over! But I her poor child, have lost the mother I tenderly loved, whom I had never been parted from these 41 years, expecting for a few weeks & 3 times for 3 months! My childhood, all seems to crowd in upon me. Dearest Albert, who feels it intensely is so touchingly kind, so full of tender affection & consideration for my feelings. — Alice came with us, & Lenchen & Bertie this afternoon. Took them up into the room to look at the dear beautiful peaceful remains, like a marble statue. My poor dear Albert so busy, having so much to look after, which is much increased by poor Sir George’s death. Albert is left Executor, & the Will, such a kind simple one, leaves all to me. — Telegrams pouring in & so many sent. Dear Vicky telegraphed to ask whether she might come, which would not prevent her doing so later, & we gratefully accepted. — Saw the good devoted Ladies, & faithful maids, who are in such grief. – After talking a last farewell of the beloved remains, we left Frogmore, a dreadful & painful moment & I thanked all the good servants for their devoted services, Maslin & Tupping had been 32 & 31 years with Mama & are so sad, having lost not only a revered mistress but a real friend. Went straight up to the Castle, where we found the 4 younger children, & it upset me very much when I saw darling Baby, my precious Mama’s little pet, whom she used to call “little angel,” – Afterwards good Sir J. Clark came to me. He has been & was so kind, telling me that I must feel great consolation in our beloved one’s release, for her sufferings would have become much greater, & her end was so peaceful! But in one’s first grief one cannot sufficiently realise that! – Had a little dinner quite by myself & after talking a little while with dear Albert went to bed, feeling thoroughly exhausted. – We had good news of dear Affie (alas! he is so far off) from Barbados & were thankful to know him safe.-“

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