On 8th May 1856, the new Ballroom at Buckingham Palace opened with an inaugural ball. The throne room was designed by Sir James Pennethorne, with Ludwig Gruner supervising the Italian Renaissance inspired interior decoration. “The same cold, windy weather. We got out for a short walk. - Sitting to Winterhalter. - Lunched earlier & dressed, 'en… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The inaugural ball at Buckingham Palace, 8th May 1856
Category: Queen Victoria’s Journal
Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Louise, 13th May 1848
On 13th May 1848, Princess Louise, sixth child of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace. “Another intensely hot day. — We were out as usual. — Mama most kindly sent the Baby a string of pearls, to which was attached a locket with her hair, similar to what she gave… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Louise, 13th May 1848
Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 12th May 1876
On 12th May 1876, Prince Harald, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “A dull morning. — On getting up, heard that dear Lenchen had got a boy born at 1.30 after a severe time. — The Empress & Arthur at breakfast. — Just before I went… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 12th May 1876
Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Helena gives birth to an unnamed stillborn son, 7th May 1877
On 7th May 1877, Princess Helena gave birth to an unnamed stillborn son at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “Very fine & bright. - Many telegrams & from Constantinople & elsewhere. - Walked with Marie & Beatrice down to the Mausoleum, then past Frogmore to the little Cottage, where we sat for a little while outside &… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Helena gives birth to an unnamed stillborn son, 7th May 1877
Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, 3rd May 1870
On 3rd May 1870, Princess Helena Victoria, daughter of Princess Helena and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Frogmore House, Windsor. ‘A fine sunny morning. - Walked & drove with Louise in the small pony carriage. - Greatly surprised, on coming home to get a telegram from Dr Fairbank saying Lenchen had been taken… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, 3rd May 1870
Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Patricia of Connaught, 1st May 1886
On 1st May 1886, Princess Patricia, daughter of Prince Arthur and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was baptised at St Anne’s Church, Bagshot, Surrey. “A beautiful bright day, but 10 degrees of frost, which is very serious. — Dear Arthur's 36th birthday. May God bless & protect him for many years. What joy his birth was,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Patricia of Connaught, 1st May 1886
Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, 27th April 1863
On 27th April 1863, Princess Victoria of Hesse, eldest child of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. “Went over to see dear Alice, who was to keep quiet. — Took a short drive with the little Sardinian ponies, with her. Then went to look… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, 27th April 1863
Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Princess Alix of Hesse and Tsar Nicholas II, 20th April 1894
On 20th April 1894, Princess Alix of Hesse, daughter of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, became engaged to Tsar Nicholas II. Alix and Nicholas in August 1894 Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024 “A dull morning. — Breakfasted alone with Beatrice. — Soon after Ella came in, much agitated,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Princess Alix of Hesse and Tsar Nicholas II, 20th April 1894
Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Arthur, 26th April 1866
On 26th April 1866, the confirmation of Prince Arthur, seventh child of Queen Victoria, took place at Dt Mildred’s Church, Whippingham, Isle of Wight. “Very fine warm. — Took a short drive in the small pony phaeton with Lenchen. Resting, when I came in. — Shortly before 12 drove with Arthur to Whippingham Church, the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Arthur, 26th April 1866
Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse and by Rhine, 25th April 1885
On 25th April 1885, the confirmation of Prince Ernst Louis, son of Princess Alice and grandson of Queen Victoria, took place at New Palace Darmstadt. “A day of great emotions. Dear beloved Alice's birthday & her darling boy to be confirmed, & 1rst grandchild, christened. But she not there to see it! — Irène breakfasted… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse and by Rhine, 25th April 1885
Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Margaret of Prussia, 22nd April 1872
On 22nd April 1872, Princess Margaret of Prussia, daughter of Princess Victoria and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at New Palace, Prussia. Princess Margaret in 1890 Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024 “Left for London at ½ p. 10 with my 2 Children &c, driving from the station to Buckingham… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Margaret of Prussia, 22nd April 1872
Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Princess Alice, 21st April 1859
On 21st April 1859, the confirmation of Princess Alice, second daughter of Queen Victoria, took place at Windsor Castle. “An eventful day. Sad that politics should disturb the serenity of it all! We feel very anxious. — Fine bright morning. — Albert hid the Easter eggs, which the Children all looked for, including our precious… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Princess Alice, 21st April 1859