Queen Victoria’s diary, 1855

At a quarter-past seven o’clock we arrived at dear Balmoral. Strange, very strange, it seemed to me to drive past, indeed through, the old house; the connecting…

The view from the windows of our rooms, and from the library, drawing-room, &c. below them, of the valley of the Dee, with the mountains in the background,—which…

Mama, and her lady and gentleman, to dinner. All were in constant expectation of more telegraphic despatches. At half-past ten o’clock two arrived—one for me, and…

Our dear Victoria was this day engaged to Prince Frederick William of Prussia, who had been on a visit to us since the 14th. He had already spoken to us, on the…

To Kirk at twelve o’clock. The Rev. J. Caird, one of the most celebrated preachers in Scotland, performed the service, and electrified all present by a most…