BEATRICE

Beatrice fell in love with Prince Henry of Battenberg, but it took a year of persuasion to get QueenVictoria's consent which was required according to the Royal Marriages Act. The marriage took place at Whippingham on the Isle of Wight on 23rd July 1885. Queen Victoria consented on condition that Beatrice and Henry make their home with her and that Beatrice continue her duties as the Queen's unofficial secretary. 10 years into their marriage Prince Henry died of malaria while fighting in the Anglo-Asante War. Beatrice remained at her mother's side until Queen Victoria died on 22nd January 1901 so this photo is not long after the mourning period.