11/22/2024
On 25th January 1858, Princess Victoria, eldest child of Queen Victoria, married Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia at the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace,
London.
Queen Victoria’s journal:
“The 2nd most eventful day in my life, as regarded feelings, for I felt almost as if it were I that was being married over again, only much more nervous, […] Whilst dressing dear Vicky came in to see me, looking, composed, & in a fine, quiet disposition. This relieved me greatly. We went down to breakfast with dear Alexandrine. Of course Fritz, whom I tenderly embraced, & who was much moved, was there too. The dear Princess also came in for the moment. — My Dressing room was arranged for Vicky & she began dressing at about ½ p. 10. Our hair was done by Nestor, one after the other. When she was ready she came through in her bridal attire, looking very pretty & nice. Her dress was of white moire antique, trimmed with 3 flounces of Honiton lace & wreaths & spray of orange flowers & myrtle. The wreath & veil were to match & the train was the same as the dress. My dress was of mauve moire antique & silver, trimmed with Honiton lace. I wore my Regal Diadem & the crown diamonds. My train was of velvet also trimmed with lace. Vicky was daguerreotyped in my room, & she & her dear father & I, together, but I trembled so that it has come out indistinct. Then, it was time to go. The sun shining brightly, 1000s out, since very early, — shouting, — ringing of bells, &c. — Albert, Uncle & the 2 Boys went 1rst, then the 3 girls in pink satin trimmed with Newport lace, Alice with a wreath of cornflowers & marguerites, the 2 others only with sprays of them, in their hair. The 4 Boys wore Highland dress. The Hall was full of people. The flourish of trumpets & cheering of thousands, made my heart sink within me, & I could hardly command myself. Vicky drove in the carriage with me, sitting opposite. At St. James's Palace we want into a prettily arranged retiring room, where Uncle, my dear Albert & the 8 Bridesmaids were waiting. They looked so nice, in white tulle dresses with wreaths & bouquets of pink roses & white heather. […]
Part 2 continues in the comments