On 20th April 1894, Princess Alix of Hesse, daughter of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, became engaged to Tsar Nicholas II.
"A dull morning. - Breakfasted alone with Beatrice. - Soon after Ella came in, much agitated, to say that Alicky & Nicky were engaged, & begging they might come in. I was quite thunderstruck, as though I knew, Nicky much wished it, I thought Alicky was not sure of her mind. Saw them both. Alicky had tears in her eyes, but looked very bright & I kissed them both. Nicky said "she is much too good for me. I told him he must make the religious difficulties, as easy as he could for her, which he promised to do. - This being Bee's birthday, her 10th, Beatrice brought her over before I went out & I gave her my presents & flowers. - Took a short drive with Beatrice. - People generally seem pleased at the engagement, which has the drawback that Russia is so far, the position a difficult one, as well as the question of the religion. But as her brother is married now & they are really attached to one another, it is perhaps better so. - Luncheon with Vicky, William, Arthur, Louischen, Beatrice & Liko. - At ½ p. 4 drove to the Kallenberg, which is so lovely in its spring garb, & visited dear Alexandrine, who took us to the Dining room, where she gave us tea. The house looked sad & desolate. Drove afterwards on to the Rosenau. There had been a party there, with some dancing, in honour of Bee's birthday, but everyone had already left. -After dinner there was an excellent orchestral Concert in the Riesensaal, performed by a Bavarian string Band of Ernie's Ret, who played quite wonderfully. List's celebrated Rhapsodie Hongroise was quite electrifying. - We had most gratifying accounts of dear Ernie & Ducky's reception at Darmstadt, which was most enthusiastic. -"
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