20th June, 1897 – Queen Victoria’s diary entry

“This eventful day, 1897 has opened, and I pray God to help and protect me as He has hitherto done these sixty long eventful years!… God will surely help me on! How well I remember this day sixty years ago when I was called from my bed by dear Mama to receive the news of my accession!”

Some nine months after she became the longest reigning monarch in British history, surpassing her grandfather, George III, Queen Victoria reached another milestone: her Diamond Jubilee. Among the many wonderful gifts she received, including an beautiful lace fan from the ‘Worshipful Company of Fan Makers’ and a jade incense burner from the Emperor of China, there were more the personal gifts from children to their mama, or grandchildren to ‘Gangan’.

Continue reading “Queen Victoria’s Hesse Diamond Jubilee Brooch” →