Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
At 5am on 23rd November 1886, Prince Alexander of Battenberg, eldest child of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg, was born at Windsor Castle. In her journal Queen Victoria described how the “little bundle” had “screamed tremendously” before being placed in her arms and presented to Home Secretary, Lord Cross, in the Audience Room.… Continue reading The life of Alexander Mountbatten, 1st Marques of Carisbrooke
Queen Victoria with Prince Alexander, dated 1886 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III "Was off & on with dear Beatrice, during the night. She was very patient & brave. All went well, & at 5, all was over, & she gave birth to a boy, who screamed tremendously, a cry that made… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Alexander of Battenberg, 23rd November 1886
"Until today I have been unable to write my Journal, on account of my confinement, but I will now proceed, with the help of rough notes, to write up from where I stopped. On the 9th I was awoke several times quite early & sent for Mrs Lilly, who advised Lucock being summoned. I will… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: On the birth of Prince Albert Edward, 2nd December 1841
On the morning of 15th October 1874, Queen Victoria ‘found many telegrams & the welcome news that Marie had been safely delivered of a son’ at Buckingham Palace. Prince Alfred was the eldest child and only son of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia. Prince Alfred in May… Continue reading The life of Prince Alfred, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
On 6th September 1844, Prince Alfred, fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria, wasbaptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. Christening of Prince Alfred, 6 September 1844, by Doyle, James ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM Ling Charles III “How thankful do I feel to be so well, exactly a month after I… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Prince Alfred, 6th September 1844
Out of Queen Victoria’s four sons, Prince Alfred is perhaps the least known. From a young age, Alfred was - in his mother’s eyes - the perfect son. Unlike his brother, the Prince of Wales, Alfred was intelligent like his oldest sister, Victoria, and regularly made his parents proud. However, to the dismay of his… Continue reading The life of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Prince Henry in October 1891 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “When I awoke this morning a telegram from Fritz was brought in to me, announcing Vicky's safe confinement, with a strong big boy. Felt very thankful, but so sad not having beloved Albert to share my joy & thankfulness. Had so… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Henry of Prussia, 14th August 1862
On 30th July 1900, Prince Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria, died aged 55 at Schloss Rosenau. His death coincided with multiple tragic deaths that filled Queen Victoria’s final year. Her journal shows just how painful and heart breaking his death was Prince Alfred taken around the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Prince Alfred, 30th July 1900
When Princess Beatrice announced her desire to marry, Queen Victoria was certainly not amused and refused to speak to her favourite daughter for seven months, instead only communicating through written notes! Eventually, Victoria changed her mind and allowed Beatrice to marry Prince Henry of Battenberg on 23rd July 1885 at St Mildred’s Church, Whippingham, Isle… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The wedding of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg, 23rd July 1885
“Scarcely got any sleep. Towards morning heard all the preparations for today's ceremony going on. It tired me terribly. Alice got up & came & kissed me & I gave her my blessing & a Prayer Book, like one dear Mama gave me on our happy wedding morning. — Got up earlier & breakfasted with… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal- The Wedding of Princess Alice and Prince Louis of Hesse, 1st July 1862
On 29th June 1889, Prince Leopold, son of Princess Beatrice and grandson of Queen Victoria, was baptised at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Christening of Prince Leopold of Battenberg in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, 29th June 1889 by William SimpsonRoyal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles Ill “We all breakfasted at Frogmore, & I… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Lord Leopold Mountbatten, 29th June 1889
On 21st May 1867, Prince Christian Victor, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. "Pouring with rain & very cold. - Had rather a bad head ache but rested quietly in my room. - At a little before 1 all assembled for the Christening… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Prince Christian Victor, 21st May 1867