On 1st June 1893, Queen Victoria and members of her family attended Mr Ginnett's Circus in a field close to the River Dee in Scotland. They attended again on 19th June.
"Showery, but not cold. - Breakfast, as always with dear Marie & Sandra (who is a charming girl) - Out with them. - After luncheon, a travelling Circus gave a performance in the field near the river, before the lower road to Abergeldie. The seats were arranged like an amphitheatre, with many all around. All my people & tenants with their families were there. We had a raised platform, where we all sat, including the Ladies & Gentlemen. The Circus belongs to a Mr Ginnett. The first item on the Programme I thought very pretty, a Quadrille ridden by 8 men & women in Spanish costumes. The clowns were very amusing & delighted the children, & there were some very clever piebald donkeys. Mrs Ginnett, wife of the proprietor rode very well. All the horses seemed so well broken. There was a ring in the centre on which saw dust was strewn. I spoke to Mr Ginnett at the conclusion of the performance, before leaving. - Took tea on coming home, in the Library, after which I took a short drive with Ina Mc Neill. - The Dss Of Atholl, Ethel Cadogan (who came today), Sir F. Edwards & Mr Yorke dined. -"
Citation:
RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 1 June 1893 (PRINCESS BEATRICE'S COPIES) retrieved 30 May 2024