From the Queen to the German Crown Princess – 16 December 1878

From the Queen to the German Crown Princess – Windsor Castle, 16 December 1878

I could not write till this evening as I have been overwhelmed with the work of receiving and sending telegrams, settling things, writing and receiving letters. The grief is great – terrible! My precious child who stood by me and upheld me seventeen years ago on the same day taken, and by such a fearful, awful disease. I was greatly alarmed from the first for the fever was so high – no sleep – the membranes increasing – the knowledge of her great, great weakness! She had darling Papa’s nature, and much of his self-sacrificing character and fearless and entire devotion to duty!¹

1. Roger Fulford – Beloved Mama