Advent Day 23: Christmas Eve 1859 – Queen Victoria’s Journals

Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine, “Madonna and Child”, dated Xmas 1859, pencil, watercolour wash, touches of bodycolour, RCIN 980925, © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

“This dear day again returned. — Full of bustle, business, & agitation, preparing presents, &c. — Walked with Alice to the Farm, where we looked at the animals & all Albert’s beautiful bulls & cows (100) & calves, — great beauties. Stopped a moment at Frogmore, to see dear Mama. A decided thaw, but not muggy. —

Took a short walk & then began in right earnest, all the pleasant exertions of the day. At 6, all was ready & we went into the Children’s room, Albert preceding with precious little “Puicy Betice”, as she calls herself, at his hand, we all following, including dear Mama, Ernest & Marie L. The arrangement of the present tables was the same as last year, with the Xmas tree at the end. We had many pretty presents, the younger children, mostly books & toys. Dear Mama was so pleased & the Children in great delight. Missed dear good Vicky, & Affie very much.

The elder Children had all done drawings for us, Alice’s quite excellent. All, so merry & excited, & the hum & challenging of the Children’s happy voices, — the bright light, — the noise of all kinds of musical toys, — all, produced an indescribable gaiety. Dear Mama stayed till 7, when we gave the Ladies & Gentlemen their tree & presents, with which they all seemed much pleased.

Then we took them to our room & showed them our things. — Mrs Bruce (staying a few days) & Dr Becker to dinner. Ld de Tabley & Col: Kingscote (now Groom) are in waiting. The Chair of St. George’s sang an old Xmas Carol, & some pretty things by Mendelsohn, after dinner. — A very happy Xmas Eve, & wish it were not over.! —”

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) [24 December 1859] (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES), VOLUME 48, p92-94, RETRIEVED [30 November 2025]. Supplied by Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III