Queen Victoria’s diary, 1867

At ten o'clock I left Windsor (those night departures are always sad) with Louise, Leopold, and Baby (Beatrice) ; Lenchen, Christian, and their little baby boy…

The railway carriage swung a good deal, and it was very hot, so that I did not get much sleep. At half-past seven I was woke up to dress and hurry out at Carlisle,…

A fine morning, though rather hazy. The night and moonlight had been beautiful. Breakfasted with our family in the breakfast-room. At twenty minutes to eleven went…

A dull morning, very close, with a little inclina- tion to rain, though only for a short time. Break- iast as yesterday. At twenty minutes to eleven we started : I…

We passed through Edinburgh. At eight a.m. we were at Ballater. Some coffee and tea were handed in to us before we left the train and got into our carriages. A fine…

A bright morning, but a fearful gale blowing. The maids, Emilie and Annie and Lady Churchill's maid, with Ross and the luggage, started at a little past seven.…

Slept soundly till half-past seven, and heard that the luggage had only arrived at half-past four in the morning. Breakfasted with Louise, who made my coffee…

Slept very well and was much rested. At half- past twelve I started with Louise on ponies (I on Sultan), and Jane Churchill, the Duke of Rich- mond, and Sir Thomas…

A fair but dull morning. These quiet break- fasts with dear Louise, who was most amiable, attentive, and cheerful, were very comfortable, just as they had been in…

Our blessed Engagement Day ! A dear and sacred day — already twenty-eight years ago. How I ever bless it ! A wet morning — most annoying and provoking ! At a…