On 22nd January 1901, on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria passed away at the age of 81.
She was surrounded by her family and personal physician, Dr. Reid.
On her deathbed, Victoria dictated 12 pages of notes surrounding what she wanted for her burial and funeral.
Among her demands, was a list of rather sentimental items.
It was Dr. Reid who carried out her final demands.
The royal coffin included –
* One of Albert’s dressing gowns.
* Both her and her husband, Albert’s wedding rings.
* A photo of John Brown, some of his hair and his mothers ring.
John Brown was a Scottish personal attendant and favorite of Queen Victoria for many years.
* Princess Alice’s Cape.
In memory of her departed daughter Alice, Queen Victoria requested that she be buried with an elaborate cape, the young Princess had made for Prince Albert.
* Victoria was laid to rest with the lace wedding veil she wore when she married Prince Albert, in 1840.
* The Queen asked that she be buried wearing as much of her personal jewellery “as could be fit on her body”.
She was buried with a ring on every finger, bracelets stacked along her wrists, and her neck was layered with necklaces.
* Lastly, the Queen requested that a small bouquet of Scottish heather be included in her coffin.
This was an ode to her beloved Scottish castle Balmoral, where she spent so many happy times.
The Tudor Intruders (and more)
🖤 Queen Victoria’s coffin in the Albert Memorial Chapel, Windsor Castle 1901.