Princess Alice of the United Kingdom (25 April 1843 – 14 December 1878) was the third child and second daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She was the first of Queen Victoria’s nine children to die, and one of three to predecease their mother, who died in 1901. Her life had been enwrapped in tragedy since her father’s death in 1861.
Princess Alice of The United Kingdom
Alice was born on 25 April 1843 at Buckingham Palace in London. She was christened “Alice Maud Mary” in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace by The Archbishop of Canterbury, William Howley, on 2 June 1843. Her sex was greeted with mixed feelings from the public, and even the Privy Council sent a message to Albert expressing its “congratulation and condolence” on the birth of a second daughter.
Alice was a bright and intelligent child, and she was close to her parents. She was also close to her siblings, especially her brother, Edward, who later became King Edward VII.
In 1862, Alice’s father, Prince Albert, died suddenly. Alice was deeply affected by his death, and she became a close confidante of her mother. She also took on a more active role in public life, and she became involved in a number of charitable organizations.
In 1862, Alice married Grand Duke Louis IV of Hesse and by Rhine. The couple had six children, including Princess Alix, who later became the last Tsarina of Russia.
Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1876–1936)
Elizabeth Alexandra Alice of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1878–1969)
Irene of Hesse and by Rhine (1866–1953)
Ernest Louis, Grand Duke of Hesse (1868–1937)
Alice’s life was enwrapped in tragedy. In 1873, her husband died of typhoid fever. In 1878, her youngest son, Friedrich, died of diphtheria. Alice herself died of diphtheria a few weeks later, on 14 December 1878. She was buried next to her husband in the Grand Ducal Crypt in Darmstadt, Germany.
Princess Alice was a complex and fascinating figure. She was a devoted daughter, a loving wife, and a caring mother. She was also a committed philanthropist, and she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. She was a true humanitarian, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.
Alice’s death was a great loss to her family and to the country. She was a beloved figure, and her death was mourned by many. She was a role model for women, and she showed that it was possible to be both a wife and mother and a successful public figure. She was a true inspiration, and her legacy lives on today.