Sketchbook Saturday, week 6

This week we’re looking at this adorable watercolour portrait by Queen Victoria of her eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, which is dated 1843. Named after his father, Bertie – as he was known by his family – was known to have a turbulent relationship with his mother, who was often quick to criticise him. However, through sketches like this and the Queen’s own journal, we get to see a more intimate side to their relationship, particularly during the Prince’s early life. One of my favourite extracts that I’ve come across so far in Victorias journal shows her pride towards her son learning to walk. On 19th December 1842, she writes that the “Baby walked so fast & strongly holding on to his Father by only one hand, & he was so pleased, dear little Fellow.”

Unfortunately as time passed, so did Victorias affection towards her son. This was particularly true after the death of Prince Albert as she blamed Bertie and the Nellie Cliften scandal for causing her husband much distress during his final days.