Alix's letter to Queen Victoria, dated June 2, 1893

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 296 to 297, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Darmstadt
June 2nd 1893
Darling Grandmama,
Many loving thanks for Your dear letter I received yesterday. It is too kind of You asking me to come to the Wedding, but I fear it is impossible as we have been absent so much this year already and as Ernie cannot stop very long in England, the journey would be scarcely worth the while for me, would it, and then it is so expensive also. A gentleman does not need so much luggage and really our journey to Italy and Ernie's official ones and Berlin were very expensive. Excuse my writing so openly but I thought it was only right You should know the reason of my not accepting Your awfully kind invitation and hope You will not mind it and let me come perhaps next year with Ernie.

The Tableaux must have been quite charming which the Children arranged as a surprise for You on your Birthday, thanks so much for sending the programme.

We have come to town to-day for Ernie's audiences but are stopping at Kranichstein since Thursday — we have been rowing on the pond and fishing. The weather is still delightful — sunny and warm.

Thanking You again many times for asking me to dear Georgie's Wedding, I remain, Beloved Grandmama, Ever Your deeply loving, devoted and dutiful Child
Alix
Ernie sends You his fondest love.

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.

Note: Prince George, Duke of Teck (the future King George V) and Princess Mary of Teck were married on July 8, 1893.