Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, 10th June 1854

'Opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

“Fortunately a beautiful day for the Opening of the Crystal Palace. — We walked in the garden. — Lunched early, & at 2 we started with our whole numerous party for Sydenham, we Ladies in very elegant morning dresses, & the Gentlemen, in uniform. Our nephews went with us in the carriage. Our 4 eldest Children were of the party. We met Mama, Aunt Cambridge & Mary there. Then we proceeded to the Nave, a dais being erected in the central Transept. The whole was a beautiful sight, the building looking magnificent & it is believed that 30,000 people were there. Immediately behind us rose the enormous Orchestra, of nearly 2000 performers, instrumental & vocal, led most beautifully by Costa,. I cannot describe the splendid effect of the music, it was beyond all description & most imposing. Clara Novello’s fine voice sounded so well in that large space. Most conspicuous among the singers were good old Lablache, Formes, & Hözel. After the National Anthem was sung the Address was read by the Chairman, describing the origin & objects of the undertaking & I read my answer. Medals & books were presented. When Paxtoncame up the steps of the dais, he was immensely cheered, but he himself was low & sad, his dear & revered Master, & benefactor, the Duke of Devonshire being had a stroke, & though going on well, is still feeble & confined to bed. We now walked round the whole building, in procession, after which the 100th Psalm was sung, the Archbishop of Canterbury, invoked the Divine Blessing on this great work, & the Hallelujah Chorus was most magnificently sung. Then, Ld Breadalbane announced that the Crystal Palace was opened. This & the singing of the National Anthem concluded the interesting & really imposing ceremony. I fervently hope that so great & noble an undertaking may be crowned with success. There were immense crowds all along the road. Got home by ½ p. 5. Pedro was greatly struck by the whole. — We read very interesting, but not very satisfactory Despatches from Ld Raglan, inasmuch as they showed the extreme state of backwardness in which the French Army is, which unfortunately will prevent its morning, until the end of the month. — A dinner “à 4”, then to the Opera, where we saw the 2nd & 3rd acts of the “Prophéte. That scene in the Cathedral, one could see time after time.”

Citation:

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 10 June 1854 (PRINCESS BEATRICE’S COPIES) retrieved 8 June 2025. Royal Collection Trust / © King Charles III