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Writer's pictureVictoria Regina

Queen Victoria's Journal - The engagement of Princess Alix of Hesse and Tsar Nicholas II, 20th April 1894

On 20th April 1894, Princess Alix of Hesse, daughter of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, became engaged to Tsar Nicholas II.


Alix and Nicholas in April 1894 © Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III

"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. -"



© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012

© Bodleian Libraries © ProQuest

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