Prince Albert Victor (Eddy)

There was so much talk about Eddy getting married to Alix but what was his problem? Did he have a mental disability or something? If anyone knows please tell.

London 01APR04

There are so many rumours and some are wild about Albert Victor. He was the very spoiled son of Queen Alexandra (then Princess of Wales) and Edward VII. Like Marie Feodorovna Alix never wanted her children to grow up, she babied them and this left them with very little up and go. He has been called, gay, Jack the Ripper and so many other things. He was simply a lazy, pretty stupid and lack lustre prince. I am not surprised that AF refused his hand in marriage. But I do think sometimes people let their imaginations run away with them in some things Albert Victor was accused of.

Given the fact that Prince Eddie was a premature baby and from what I have read on him. I would venture a guess and say Eddie was a bit developmentally delayed.

I'm sure the cloying mothering and the indifferent sometimes verbally mean father did nothing to help the young man. Also his station in life and who and what he was would place undue hardship on a person with "special needs."

Again his disabilties are not a proven fact, but if you read enough about him you should come to the conclusion that Eddie was slower than most.

Louise

I have a book re: Prince Eddy and his times--alas, I do not recall the name at this precise moment!   --and my opinion, influenced by that book, is along the lines of what Louise has said.  Quite a few factors were at work here. For one thing, Eddy's mother spoiled him terribly, causing his father to be somewhat disaffected. Not a rarity in families--it happened in the case of my father and his parents!  Also, he did seem to lack motivation, which would be a sign of developmental issues.  Then, the contrast to George, who seemed more of a take-charge person.  And Eddy's appearance--handsome but long-necked and lanky, with a languid air--didn't do much for him either!  He did seem to develop the tastes of an Edwardian "rake"--but so did many other priviledged young men of the time. Probably what bothered Alix most was his diffidence and indolence. (And undoubtedly she sensed his sexual ambiguity.)  In Nicholas she found a man who was obviously very attracted to her, and wanting to "do right"--but who was crying out for direction . . . hers!  Prince Eddy just didn't inspire Alix as did Nicholas.

By the way, in the excellent British miniseries Edward the King, produced in the 1980s, Eddy is portrayed by Charles Dance, who would later figure in Jewel in the Crown and a Rebecca remake, among other productions. Alix and Nicky also make brief appearances during their visit to Grandmama Victoria at Balmoral.

I remember catching a glimpse of Edward the King and I have part 1 & 2 of the books. However I was not fortunate enough to catch the TV series. Do you have any idea if they are on VHS or DVD/or if there are any plans to distrubute them?

Louise

I've noticed my local Borders bookstore has the entire miniseries on DVD. But it's a bit pricey for me at this time, so I've been content to check it out Edward the King on video at my local library. It's a good series. A lot of territory is covered so some issues are merely glossed over, but overall the production is  exceptionally well done. Queen Alexandra--the presumed mother of the Tsarina, ha ha!--is particularly sympathetic.

Wow, a sympathetic protrayal of Alix's mother, Queen Alexandra. I can't wait to watch the series now. I wonder if that is why they named her Alix--after her mother. Hmmmmm.

I've checked the VHS at Amazon, and I will ponder getting it. Thanks.

Another aspect of Eddie's slowness has also been attributed to inherited his mother's deafness. I can't quite remember which books I have read that in, but it has been proposed as a possibilty for his slowness.

Louise

I just remember that the actor, Timothy West who played King Edward, played Dr. Botkin in Nicholas and Alexandra.

Louise

Yes, he did!  And the gentleman who played one of young Prince Edward's stern "keepers" also was the beloved elderly servant--oh gosh, what was his name?--with the great mustaches who bade a sad farewell to OTMA before they left for Toblosk.

The actor is Jack Hawkins. That was so emotional when he said good bye to  the young Grand Duchesses and I loved how he was familiar with Nicky and Alix bringing in Massie's comments on how Fredricks addressed them as "mes enfant"

Louise

Did I miss something here?  Queen Alexandra presumed mother of Alix???

Sorry if there's some confusion on that account.  A former poster here proposed that Alix was Queen Alexandra's daughter in order to build some sort of justification to explain his discredited belief system.

Alix was by all accounts and most likely the daughter of Princess Alice.

Louise, I goofed . . . the other actor who was in both Edward the King and Nicholas and Alexandra was Harry Andrews.  In Edward the King he played the role of Colonel Bruce, who attempted to "mind" the errant young prince. In Nicholas and Alexandra he was the Grand Duke Nicholas, who headed the Army until Tsar Nicholas took control.

I agree with you that Jack Hawkins was wonderful in Nicholas and Alexandra!  He played Count Fredericks with just the right tone of dignity, yet obvious love and concern for the family.

Both Harry Andrews and Jack Hawkins were distinguished British actors who appeared in some marvelous productions.

"Sorry if there's some confusion on that account.  A former poster here proposed that Alix was Queen Alexandra's daughter in order to build some sort of justification to explain his discredited belief system.

Alix was by all accounts and most likely the daughter of Princess Alice.  "


So I've always been led to believe....

Janet, a bit ago on this thread you stated you have a book on Prince Eddy. What is the name of the book and is it easily available online or in a library.

Thanks,

Louise