Alix's letter to Queen Victoria for her 74th birthday, dated May 23, 1893

Source:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, pages 294 to 295, by George Hawkins, 2023

The letter:

Darmstadt
May 23rd 1893
Beloved Grandmama
My most loving and heart-felt good wishes for Your dear Birthday, which I hope You will spend very happily. God grant that You may see still many a such a day, and that He will keep all worrys and sorrows from You. I have painted a work basket for You and hope that it may prove useful.

The heat is quite tremendous, one runs about in the thinnest clothes one can find, and yet one is roasted. We are both going to Cronberg to-day and I am so looking forward to see Aunt Vicky.

What a pleasure it was meeting You, dearest Grandmama at Florence — I am constantly thinking of the happy time we spent in that lovely place. And then Venice, no, it is too beautiful, like a dream and the quiet did one there so much good. But now that I have been there, I see how impossible it would have been for You, as one had perpetually to be getting in and out of one's gondolas. I am too sorry as I feel sure You would have enjoyed it.

We shall soon be going to Kranichstein as the heat here is too great.

But i will not bother You with a long letter, I only wanted to send my tender wishes for Your Birthday. Kissing Your dear Hands most affectionately, I remain, Darling Grandmama dear, Your ever very loving, deeply devoted and dutiful Child
Alix

God bless You, sweet Grandmama.

Above: Alix.

Above: Queen Victoria.