On 26th March 1883, Princess Alice of Albany, daughter of Prince Leopold and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle.
©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III
“George C.’s birthday. — Had not a good night. — Poor Brown no better, in fact worse, & his mind rather wandering. — Leopold came over to see me, & I then had to dress for the Christening. A sort of inclined plain had been arranged over the few steps into the Chapel, & up these, I was rolled. Before entering the Chapel, I shook hands with all the family, Bertie, Alix, Affie, Marie, Lenchen, Christian, Mary & Franz Teck, Christle & Princess Waldeck, Leopold walked on crutches, & Helen came in with him. Only Ld Sydney, with us. Sat in my usual place near the altar, the Clergy & Sponsors, coming in after me. Bertie & Pss Waldeck, stood next to me, the other Sponsors being represented. 2 Hymns were sung. Mrs Brotherston, the monthly nurse, carried the Baby, & Mrs Moreton handed it to me. Though I could not stand, I managed to hand the dear little Baby to the Arch Bishop, who named her: Alice Mary, Victoria, Augusta, Pauline. All went out of the Chapel again before me, & I was rolled into the Green Drawingroom, where all the guests were assembled. It was very difficult & awkward for me, to speak to them, sitting in my chair. At last, we went into luncheon, a big family one. I gave out little Alice’s health. After taking leave of all, went to my room, & rested on the sofa. — Dinner as last night.”
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© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012 © Bodleian Libraries © ProQuest
