Baroness Louise Lehzen's departure, 30th September 1842 - Queen Victoria's Journals

On 30th September 1842, Queen Victoria's childhood governess and companion, Baroness Louise Lehzen, left the Queen's service and returned to Germany.

Baroness Lehzen January 1845 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

Queen Victoria described the day in her journal:

"After a very good night's rest free from pain in my head, & was able to get up, & breakfast at 9. I had a letter from my dear Lehzen in which the took leave of me in writing, thinking it would be less...after a very good night's rest free from pain in my head, & was able to get up, & breakfast at 9. — I had a letter from my dear Lehzen in which the took leave of me in writing, thinking it would be less painful than seeing me & as the wind had abated, & everything was ready for her departure, she had started off at once. This naturally upset me, & I so regret not being able to embrace her once more, thought, on the other hand I am much relieved at being spared the painful parting. But I fell it very much. Though I had, in fact seen but little of my dear good Lehzen since our marriage, still the thought that she was far away now, & all alone, made we very sad. I can never forget & that & he was for many years everything to me & I shall be forever grateful & devotedly attached to her. Still for herself & for all, she has done the wisest thing. — He went out walking. — Sat to Winterhalter, for the last touches to the copies, which are exceedingly good, & which I am going to give dear Lehzen. — In the afternoon I took a drive with Ly Lyttelton & "Pussy". Albert riding, & the other Ladies following. — Read in Miss Burney's Diary, the too painful & harrowing account of the poor King's 1rst illness, — the dreadful state the house was in, & the poor Queen's despair & grief, but she seems to have been very resigned, though it is very singular, the way in which she was passed over, & the Pce of Wales must have been very harsh. — Mama, &c — dined. — Miss Hamilton has replaced Matilda Paget.—"

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