Described by Queen Victoria as ‘a never to be forgotten day’, 14th January 1892 saw a major shift in the future of the British Monarchy. Not only had the Queen just experienced the loss of her dear grandson, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, but the nation had also lost its future monarch. Born second in line to the British throne, ‘Eddy’ (Prince Albert Victor) was the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Albert Edward and Alexandra. His mother’s favourite child, Eddy had often found himself in the face of scandal but by the time 1892 arrived things were looking up for the newly engaged prince. However, Britain was amidst an influenza pandemic and in January the 28-year-old prince fell ill. As the days passed, Eddy’s condition worsened, leading him to tragically pass away on the 14th. Having spent forty years mourning her beloved husband and losing several of her friends, children and grandchildren, Queen Victoria was understandably devastated.
– Queen Victoria’s journal, 15th January 1892
‘Words are for too poor to express one’s feelings of grief, horror & distress! Poor, poor Parents, poor May, to have her whole bright future to be merely a dream. Poor me, in my old age, to see this young promising life cut short! I, who loved him so dearly & to whom he was so devoted! God help us! This is an awful blow to the Country too! We are all greatly upset.’
Now in the collection of the Museum of London, this mourning dress is believed to have been worn by the aging Queen during the period after Eddy’s passing. Comprising of a separate bodice and skirt, this elaborate dress is made out of black silk taffeta and crepe. The crepe is a perfect indication of when this garment would have been worn as the intricate texture blocks the shimmering silk, creating a matte appearance and showing that the wearer is in the early stages of mourning. In contrast to this, the inside of the baleen boned bodice is lined with cream silk.
© Queen.Victoria.Roses 2026
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