Advent Day 16: Christmas Eve 1852 – Queen Victoria’s Journals

Hills & Saunders, “The Oak Room, Windsor Castle” 1873, albumen print, RCIN 2100577, Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2022

“After rain in the night, & a little, early, it cleared, & we were able to take a walk. — Heard at 12 from LdAberdeen, that he would came here, as he had received a letter from Ld John, containing proposals & alterations of so extensive a kind, that if persisted in “would seriously endanger the success” of Ld A.’s undertaking! This alarmed as very much, & I wrote off in a great hurry, urging the necessity of agreement & patriotism. —

Only a short walk in the afternoon & then began the Christmas preparations, — always a tremendous affair, but the “crisis”, spoilt half our enjoyment, by the anxiety for the ultimate result, which filled our mind. — Gave presents to my maids, & personal attendants, also to the Governesses. — received a few lines from Ld Aberdeen, which greatly relieved us. He hoped he had overcome the difficulties, by making Ld Granville Ld President & securing a seat (without an office) in the Cabinet, for Ld Lansdowne.

— It was nearly ½ p. 6 before we could go into the rooms with the Christmas Trees & presents. All 7 Children were there & we took them into the usual room (the blue King’s room), where the tables covered with toys, books, &c — were arranged. — Mama’s, including Charles & Ada’s were in the same room. Albert then took me to mine. He had been disappointed in his principal present for me, 4 colossal bronze statues for Osborne, copied from the antique at Berlin, & which had not arrived in time. The other gifts were lovely, & so kindly thought out. Mama gave me many pretty trifles, & the good Children had drawn, worked, & done their very best. It was a pleasure to see their delight at their presents. Dear Albert was kindly pleased with mine to him. We remained in the room till near 8, except going to the Oak Rooms, to give the Ladies & Gentlemen their tree & presents. —

Heard from Ld Aberdeen that he hoped he had overcome the difficulties, by Ld John’s becoming President & Ld Lansdowne having a seat in the Cabinet. — After dinner, (to which no one came) heard again from Ld Aberdeen saying he had the satisfaction of informing me that the Administration was completed, — an immense relief & pleasure to us. A failure would have been awful, & such a disgrace in the face of the country. —”

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) [24 December 1852] (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES), VOLUME 34, p258-260, RETRIEVED [30 November 2025]. Supplied by Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III