If you’ve followed my work for a while then you will probably be aware of my love for Queen Victoria’s youngest child, Princess Beatrice. As a historian, I of course have a variety of favourite paintings, many of which I resigned myself to the fact that I would possibly never see in person. This stunning portrait of Princess Beatrice has always been on that list, so you can probably imagine my excitement when I unexpectedly stumbled across it while visiting Kensington Palace on 18th October (apologies to my friend and anyone else that witnessed me basically crying over this painting 😅). Following Queen Victoria’s death in January 1901, Beatrice moved Osborne Cottage and later Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. However, Kensington Palace was her official residence and winter home. Since my interest in royal history began in 2017 I have made countless visits to the palace and have always found it strange that neither Beatrice or her sister, Princess Louise, who also lived at the Palace, have been properly recognised as residents. That is until now!
Located in the Ante Room (lift corridor) between the Jewel Room and Victoria’s Childhood apartments, are TWO paintings by Heinrich von Angel, depicting the Princesses. While both paintings were a delight to see, my favourite was naturally that of Beatrice, who was in her mid thirties when the portrait was painted, a rarity as most paintings show her in her youth.
Painted in 1893, Beatrice can be seen wearing formal afternoon dress, a pearl necklace and earrings, symbolising her womanhood. By this time Beatrice was married and had given birth to all four of her children. While still living with the Queen, Beatrice and her husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg, had managed to escape her full-time grip and were enjoying short family trips away. Tragically, Henry passed away just three years later, putting an end to Beatrice’s happy years of freedom, and forcing her into mourning and strengthening Victoria’s grip.
I highly recommend looking for this painting next time you visit the palace. Tap here to learn more about Beatrice’s life!
© Queen.Victoria.Roses / Shannon McInulty
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I love seeing new painting of Victoria’s children. I never realized it before but Beatrice is 100 years older than I am. I may not always comment on each of your posts but I still love them and all the work you do to bring Queen Victoria and her family to us.