Queen Victoria’s journal:
“Heard once towards morning, that the night, so far, had been good, & that dear Albert was asleep, so that I only went over at 8, but he had not awoke yet, & I returned after a little while. There was a slight appearance of short breathing, but D’ Jenner said nothing of any consequence, unless it should increase. Dear Albert was able to sit up to take his broth, but his hands shook very much. He sent for & saw Alice. — Took a short hour’s drive with her & Marie just before luncheon. Returned to Albert afterwards. He was rather excited & confused, but D’ Jenner said it was all due to the fever & generally occurred in such cases. We rejoiced to think tomorrow would be the 22d day, & that in another week please God! he would be getting over the period of convalescence, though I hardly dare do so except with fear & trembling! Dear Albert had been moved into a small new bed, which they thought would be better for him. — Saw D’ Jenner & Sir J. Clark, who had returned & thought all was going well. The quickness of breathing gave no cause for any present alarm. Albert had held his ground. — Went after dinner with Alice; to my darling & found him taking his broth again. She helped in holding it, but left again in a short while. The Doctors wished him to lie on his side as much as possible. Went back, when undressed to wish him good night. D’ Jenner said they were giving him a little ammonia to check the rapid respiration, & that if in another 24, or still more 48 hours, there were no further increase in this symptom, we could feel quite safe. He hoped for a quiet night."
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012
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