On 26th April 1866, the confirmation of Prince Arthur, seventh child of Queen Victoria, took place at Dt Mildred’s Church, Whippingham, Isle of Wight.
“Very fine warm. — Took a short drive in the small pony phaeton with Lenchen. Resting, when I came in. — Shortly before 12 drove with Arthur to Whippingham Church, the 3 girls following (Baby being better & able to go), Christian & Leopold having gone on before. All the company & servants were already in the Church when we got there. We took up our place, where we did before, being joined by Ernest & Marie L. Dear Arthur (before the first time in a tailed coat) stood before the altar looking very dear & much impressed by the solemnity of the moment. The service commenced with the Hymn “Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire”, & the Hymn “A happy day that fixed my choice” was also, both, the same as at Louise’s Confirmation. The Arch Bishop gave a most beautiful, simple, & touching Charge, in which he alluded most appropriately to Arthur’s Godfather, the great Duke of Wellington (whose son I therefore had invited to be present), & very feelingly to my beloved Albert, which quite brought the tears to my eyes, & I had a hard fight to regain my composure. It was so touching to see the dear Boy standing there alone & I feel his dear Father’s blessing will have been surely resting on him! When the service was over I embraced him & took him out with me. The Church was charmingly & tastefully decorated with flowers. […]
Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024
[…] On getting home I took Arthur to his Father’s room, where I gave him a fine piece of plate, & a copy of a picture of myself. Then saw the good kind Arch Bishop who is such an amiable man & performs all these ceremonies so well. Ernest & Marie L. remained to luncheon & Baby was able to appear, though she had some fits of coughing & looks sadly pulled down. — Saw Mr Jolley & gave him a present, a small golden Chalice. – Out driving with Lenchen, Arthur & Christian, going to Binstead, where we got out & visited the Lococks. – No one, but Leopold, the addition to our dinner. — Augusta S. afterwards came up to my room & read to me. — I felt thankful to God for this day, & that my dear Boy was in such a good, healthy & devotional frame of mind. He is so really religious, without cant or exaggeration, & I feel very hopeful for the future. Sad as everything is now, I shall yet look back on this day with satisfaction & a ray of pleasure has gladdened my sad & broken heart. May God bless our dear Child!”
RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 26 April 1866 (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES) retrieved 22 April 2024
