December 1, 1920
Queen Alexandra, the queen mother, celebrated her 76th birthday today. All of her living children, including Queen Maud of Norway, were able to offer personal congratulations at Marlborough House, where Alexandra now lives. Several of her grandchildren, Prince Arthur of Connaught and the Crown Prince of Norway were not able to attend, and Alexandra's great-grandson, the Earl of Macduff is currently in South Africa.
The Queen's youngest brother, Prince Waldemar of Denmark, did attend the festivities, and he was accompanied by his only daughter, Margarethe. Among courtiers, it is believed that Alexandra "has her heart set on the possibilities of a match between this pretty and vivacious girl and the Prince of Wales."
Princess Margarethe, 25, is described as "quite English in her dress, appearance and ways." During the war, she worked as a nurse in a Yorkshire hospital.
The New York Times's report does not mention, however, that Margarethe is Roman Catholic. When Prince Waldemar married Princess Marie of France, an agreement was made: sons would be raised Lutheran and daughters would be baptised Roman Catholic. Margarethe has three brothers.
Wouldn't Alexandra have been 76 in 1920? Maybe the birthday celebration was for one of her sisters - perhaps the Dowager Empress?
ReplyDeleteTina
Hmm, now that I think about it, I think maybe the birthday girl was Alexandra's younger sister, Thyra who was the Duchess of Cumberland.
ReplyDeleteI've changed the age to 76. Her birthday was December 1 and reported in the newspapers. It is unlikely that the New York Times would have reported this story about Thyra who was born in September 1853 and Dagmar was born in 1847.
ReplyDeleteThis was based on a New York Times report. I mistyped the age.
Thanks, Marlene.
ReplyDelete