On 6th April 1871, Prince Alexander John, son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Sandringham House, Norfolk. Sadly he died the following day.
6th April:
"Very bright & sunny, but a very cold wind. - Went out with Leopold & enquired for Toward at Barton, as he is ill again. - Arthur arrived after luncheon, & just before going out, I got the startling telegram from Bertie that dear Alix had been prematurely confined with a son, both doing well. Dr Farre having arrived too late, Dr Rendell of Lynn attended. - Drove with Beatrice, Fanny G. & Janie E. Fine but cold. - The 3 Ladies & 2 Equerries dined. - Heard from Dr Farre, that the monthly nurse had also not reached Sandringham in time. The Baby rather weak, which makes me anxious about it."
7th April:
"Our dear Leopold's 18th birthday. How grateful must we be to God for letting him attain this age, & for restoring him to health & strength after that terrible long time of suffering last year. May God continue to bless him. - Gave him his presents in my room, as usual. We missed Louise very much. - Walked with my 3 children before service in the house, performed by Mr Prothero. - Dr Farre telegraphed that Alix was going on favourably but the Baby "was exceedingly feeble & there was very little hope of its surviving." How very sad. Heard from Bertie that the poor little Baby had been Christened in Alix's presence yesterday evening, & just before going out in the afternoon Bertie telegraphed "our poor little child had been taken from us", that he was sure I would feel for them. He had been given the names of Alexander, John, Charles, Albert. Dear Alix much upset, but well. Very sorry for them. - Walked down to the sea & back by the Swiss Cottage with my children, picking primroses of which there are quantities in the woods. Took tea at the Swiss Cottage. - Receiving & sending endless telegrams. - My 3 children, Fanny G., Janie E., the Ponsonbys & Cowells dined. - The sad event at Sandringham filled our thoughts."
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012
© Bodleian Libraries © ProQuest