1840: Queen Victoria’s first Christmas as a wife and mother

Christmas had always been a special time for Queen Victoria as a child; with decorated trees, sugary treats, lavish gifts and trips to the theatre. However, Christmas 1840 was much more poignant as she was no longer the ‘unmarried girl’ who had spent her lonely youth in the company of condescending adults. Instead, she was the Queen of England, with ‘an angelic husband, & a dear little girl 5 weeks old!’ (1). For the first time in her life, Victoria had everything she could ever need. Sure, she hadn’t yet secured the future of the crown with a male heir, but Albert was the companion she had always craved and she was feeling more loved than ever before.

At ½ past 11 in the morning of 23^rd December 1840, the royal family left Buckingham Palace and embarked on their Christmas trip to Windsor Castle. It was the first time that baby Princess Victoria had travelled between royal residences but according to the Queen, the baby had travelled ‘quite well & safe’ (2), wrapped up tight in a hood of lamb’s wool, which her mother described as looking comical. After spending time with their daughter in their own room, the proud parents helped baby Vicky to settle into her new nursery before getting themselves ready for the upcoming festivities.

The following morning was Christmas Eve and like any new parents, Victoria and Albert were eager to spend it with their child. However, while they were determined to spend Christmas as a family, Victoria’s role as monarch meant that she had to continue with her regular duties. While she was busy getting on with her work, Victoria received a visit from her husband. Perhaps representing the recent advancements in the Queen’s life and happiness, Albert came with the sad news that her childhood dog, and her closest companion, Dash, had passed away. Since becoming Queen and getting married, Victoria had confided less in Dash for company than she had in earlier years but his sudden death came as a shock nonetheless. ‘Albert told me that poor dear old “Dash”, was dead, which grieved me so much’ she wrote in her journal, adding ‘I was so fond of the poor little fellow, & he was so attached to me.’ (3) Dash’s death had marked the end of Victoria’s time alone and while she rightly mourned her companion, her focus turned towards her future with her new family.

Following her childhood traditions, Victoria spent the afternoon of the 24th arranging two tables of presents, each with its own decorated Christmas tree, for both her mother and her beloved Albert. Amongst her gifts to the Prince was a portrait of herself by John Partridge, which was later placed in Albert’s Writing-Room at Buckingham Palace. Victoria then went into ‘the little middle blue room’ (4), where Albert had displayed her gifts; which included a sketch of Vicky by Sir William Ross and a variety of ornaments and trinkets. They then dined with a small selection of guests, including Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, while the band played in the background.

By the time Christmas Day eventually arrived, the blossoming wife and mother couldn’t wait to celebrate with her new husband and daughter, whom she raced to see after finishing breakfast. Once again, Christmas didn’t stop Victoria from getting on with her royal duties before attending a service in the Private Chapel at 12, followed by a walk in the gardens and luncheon. After some recreational time in the afternoon, Victoria was back at work and discussing official matters with Melbourne. With the process of giving gifts carried out the previous day, dinner was served and an evening of musical merriment commenced.

Like many of us today, Victoria and Albert spent Boxing Day (26^th December) as a family. Victoria once again spent part of the morning with Vicky before working on the Dispatches as usual. Once she was done working, Victoria proudly paraded the baby amongst the ladies in her household and later Lord Melbourne. According to the Queen, Melbourne ‘found her [Vicky] much grown & thought her features very pronounced for so young, & child’. He then remained to discuss matters of state before leaving the Queen and Prince alone to read and knit. Like always, dinner was served and the band once again played as the royal party embraced the last of Christmas before preparing to enter the New Year with their new marital happiness.

 

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