Kaiser Friedrich III, his spouse Victoria and their family, Part I

[Eric_Lowe]

I wonder if there is a Prussian state archievs for photos and information about the Imperial family in maybe Berlin ? 

[Eddie_uk]

Does anyone have any information on the book "Empress Frederick writes to Sophie"? Sounds an interesting old book

[Marlene]

The late family archivist to the Hohenzollerns told me that there were no photographs of the weddings of the Crown Prince nor his siblings.

Yes, it seems the German royal family were not on the forefront of photographing key family events such as weddings and funerals. The Lutheran Church was never in favor of pictures during during Sacraments, and that still exists today in most Lutheran Churches; maybe that is the reason.

there is a film of Vicky's funeral procession, but in spite of my attemptst to obtain a copy or segments, all have been in vain. I intend to try in person next time I am in Bablesberg where, I am told, such archives exist for on-site viewing.

The torch procession and torch dance tradition must have been very moving and spectacular, whether for wedding or funeral. From my searches, it appears these traditions were uniquely German, and of course executed with great pomp amongst royals. In current times, the German weddings I've attended, as well as funerals, use sparklers or matches to replace the torches. Thanks!

[Marlene]

In 1901,  news photography was limited.  In fact, it would have been rare to have a photograph in a newspaper during that time.

Wonder why not ? There was quite a lot of QV...maybe Germans do not photo this ? 

[grandduchessella]

About the only ones I've seen were the photo of Dona in her wedding dress and there was a postcard I bought that showed Victoria Louise's wedding dress on display. The ones of Victoria Louise and her siblings are montage ones put together from old pictures and some imagination. A good deal of sketches though showing the ceremonies and guests.

[Eric_Lowe]

Also one of Irene and Heinrich at their wedding. 

[Ada]

"The Empress Frederick Writes to Sophie"  is one of my favorite books about Vicky.  It is mostly her letters to Sophie after she married and moved to Greece.  There are a few of Sophie's replies as well.  Vicky's letters are so interesting and show what an interesting and well educated person  she was.  They give an excellent picture of what she was like as a mother.  I highly recommend this book - but it is very hard to find!  I special ordered it from my library through inter library loan. 

[Eric_Lowe]

Yes compiled by Arthur Gould Lee, who also wrote Queen Mother Helen of Romania's bio and a book on the Greek Dynasty. I have all three. A must for all Vicky and helen lovers. 

[Eddie_uk]

Great! thank you Ada I'm in London so shouldn't have to much trouble trying to find it.

[jfkhaos]

This is totally off-topic from the above discussions, but I have recently read (although I can't remember the title of the book at this time) that Vicky was a smoker, and I can't recall reading anything about this in all of the Vicky-related materials I have read over the years.  Has anyone else heard of this?

[Eddie_uk]

Iv'e not heard that. But I know she disliked people smoking when under her roof. Princess Marie Louise mentions it in her memoirs!

[Eric_Lowe]

it is quite possible that Vicky would have taken a puff of cigarette from time to time. Although I don't think she was an addict (like VMH, Ducky, Missy...etc). 

[jfkhaos]

Although Vicky was largely shunned in William's reign, did she ever attend any functions in full gala attire (i.e. diadem, etc)?  I have seen several pictures and portraits of her in widow's attire, but it's so odd (at least in my opinion) that there aren't more images of her with her diadems and court gowns.

[grandduchessella]

There are seemingly few of her in gala dress even before she was a widow. I don't know if the Prussian court didn't entertain as much as other Courts or if the pictures haven't emerged or what the reason could be. She definitely attended her children's weddings in gowns and jewels but, as has been mentioned in other threads, there weren't usually photographs--just sketches and written descriptions.

[Eric_Lowe]

I don't think Vicky was as interested in dress and jewels as other female royals in Postdam. In fact she critized them doing nothing but changing clothes and jewels for functions. Vicky spread her fortune/allowances in collecting art, antiques (paintings, scuplture & furniture) and books.