Advent Day 5: Christmas Eve 1841 – Queen Victoria’s Journals

William Essex, “Brooch of Victoria, Princess Royal”, 1842, RCIN 4834, © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

“We walked to the Kennels & back after visiting the Children.- After luncheon saw the Judge Advocate who had a great many cases to bring before me, amongst others one of an unfortunate Ld Col: Macpherson, a very distinguished Officer who certainly has behaved in a most disorderly, strange & improper manner, but it seems that his head is affected by his wounds, & that when he drinks the least drop of mine, he gets quite intoxicated & unmanageable.-

Arranged Albert’s table with Xmas presents, in my former bedroom, & then we, together, arranged Mama’s.- At about 6, was had our trees & we first gave Mama her presents, then I gave Albert his, & he gave me mine. Amongst my presents to him was a life size picture of Eos by Landseer with which he was quite delighted, & it came as a complete surprise. I received such lovely gifts, all arranged in the small middle blue room. One of the things I value the most, is an enamel of ‘Pussy’ after Ross, mounted as a brooch with diamond rings, & the little Cross hanging from the hands, in 2 rubies & 4 diamonds.

The workmanship & design are quite exquisite, & dear Albert was so pleased at my delight over it, it having been entirely his own idea & taste. ‘Pussy’ was brought down for a moment, & she was in such ecstasies at the trees.

Christmas, I always look upon as a most dear happy time, also for Albert who enjoyed it naturally still more in his happy home, which mine, certainly as a child, was not. It is a pleasure to have this blessed festival associated with one’s happiest days. The very smell of the Christmas Trees of pleasant memories. To think, we have already 2 children now, & one who already enjoys the sight, – it seems like a dream. All dined, Ld Sandwich & the Van de Weyers dined, & stay till the 27th. M Van de Weyer sat next to me & is such a very agreeable little man. We talked of many interesting things, though I have not time to put them down.”

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) [24 December 1841] (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES), VOLUME 12, p248-250, RETRIEVED [25 November 2025]. Supplied by Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III