Advent Day 13: Christmas Eve 1849 – Queen Victoria’s Journals
- youngqueenvictoria
- Dec 13, 2025
- 2 min read
“A cold dull morning, & whilst we were at breakfast, to which Mama came, it began to soon. — I took the Duchess to see the Schoolroom, in which her poor daughter Louise died, now 17 years ago, & then my sitting room. I remember Edward when he was only 3 weeks old, he was born at Bushey, & Gustaf & the other 2 girls, when they were quite little children. Poor Louise & poor William, who was just my age, used often to came to Kensington, to play with me. The Duchess & her children took leave of us, most kindly & we told the good Duchess, that we would do what we could for poor Edward, who
has lost his home. —
The snow having ceased we walked out with our 4 eldest Children. It was not disagreeable out, but it turned into a fog in the afternoon. — We were very busy, already from ½ p. 3 with the Christmas preparations & began giving our gifts to the Governesses, & our personal servants, between 4 & 5. At 6 everything being ready, (such a happy time it always is, connected with such a blessed Festival) Albert took me 1rst to my tree in the Red Room. As usual, he has given me so much that I do not know how to describe the things, & dear Mama too has given me such nice things.
We then took the 6 Children into the Blue Room where their tree stood, & endless toys, books, &c were spread out for each, causing great ecstasy. Mama was with us & also had her tree & presents. I next took my beloved Albert to the little Red Room, where his tree & gifts were. The Children remained playing about & making a tremendous noise. At 7 we took the Ladies & Gentlemen to the Oak Room where my presents were arranged around a tree. Afterwards, we took them to see ours, which were much admired. Lenchen caused great amusement, mounted on an enormous wooden rocking horse, with a wonderful helmet on her head.
Merry as everyone was, I felt often saddened by the thought of the poor dear Queen, who was always so kind & affectable on this occasion, & of poor Anson, whom I can always see before me, as he was on this day, last year, — in the highest spirits, — & now? It is sad. — We remained with the Children till ½ p. 7. — Mama, &c. dined. —”1
RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) [24 December 1849] (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES), VOLUME 28, p148-150, RETRIEVED [30 November 2025]. Supplied by Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III
Comments