“A very oppressive morning. Out, in the garden. – Again in the afternoon, we were some time with Winterhalter. Afterwards we drove out with the 3 girls, but were obliged to keep the carriage closed, as it rained. – We dined together early, & then began dressing for our Bal Costumè. Our dresses, & Charles’s were really beautiful & so correct. Dearest Albert looked very handsome in his, & his admirable wég made him look so young. Our dresses were most exactly carried out from Eugène Lami’s drawings. Mine, was of grey moire antique, ornamented with gold lace, — a very long waist with a berthe of guipure, & sleeves trimmed with old lace. The petticoat, showing under the dress, which was all open in front, was of rich gold & sliver procade, (indian Manuracture richly trimmed with sliver lace. wore diamonas & pearls, & 4 very large Indian emerald drops were arranged as a “Sénigne”. In my hair I wore an ornament of pearls, & a large emerald, – my small diamond crown & pearls twisted in the back of my hair. The shoes & gloves were embroidered to match the dress. Albert’s coat was of the richest gold brocade, on an orange ground with a little green in it, the manufacture of which did the greatest honour to Spitalfields. The court hose were of crimson velvet, & the stockings grey. The silver embroidery of the sleeves & handelière were quite beautiful. Charles looked extremely well & quite like ›Charles IInd. The 2 little girls, Stockmar, & others, were there to see us go by. Our 4 eldest Children were assembled in the Yellow Drawingroom. Mama, the Children & a afterwards hurried off to & the small gallery above the Picture Gallery, from which they could get a good view of everybody. The Ladies looked extremely well, all, improved by the very becoming curls. Ly Charlemont looked so young. The Gentlemen were marvellously disguised, but almost all, with the exception of Ld Breadalbane (who was magnificent) La Camoys, Ld Douglas & Lord Abercorn, had very stiff, ugly wigs. We went into the Throne Room, which was empty, & then all the company came by, which was a beautiful sight. The Ladies, without exception were much improved by their costumes, some of the dresses being very rich, – the gentlemen wonderfully disguised. Baron Brunow, as a Boyar, with a beard & wig was unrecognisable, & a typical Russian. The Turks looked extremely handsome in their ancient Turkish dresses. The “défilé” over, dancing commenced. The Quadrile of the 4 Nations, Spanish, French, English & Scotch (the dresses designed by E. Lami) entered, & looked very pretty. LY Canning wore her hair just as the Spanish & Portuguese Ladies did, in Velasquez’s pictures & looked extremely characteristic. The Scotch riding dress & hat, was very pretty. After this, we walked across to the Ball Room, were LY Wilton’s Quadrille was danced. The Ladies, in white satin, with red bows, & the gentlemen in red, military uniform, A Polonaise followed, Albert leading me, then I took George’s hand & went through the Gallery & all the rooms, returning to the Throne Room, where LY Grey’s Quadrille was danced. – young ladies, in white & pink. Another Polonaise followed which I danced with Edward W. After this, danced a Quadrille with Charles & then we went to supper. Afterwards we danced a Quadrille, which was followed by a Reel & then again a Polonaise, which I danced with Charles. There were more Quadrilles, & by 2 all was over. It was indeed a magnificent Ball, & I was so proud & pleased to see my beloved Albert looking so handsome, truly royal & distinguished, & so much admired. I must say our costumes were beautifully made and all the accessories well carried out.”
Citation:
RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 13 June 1851 (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES) retrieved 9 June 2024
