August 12, 1901
The body of the Empress Friedrich was removed by torchlight tonight from the church to the railway station. The coffin was borne by 12 non-commissioned officers. Following the coffin were two of the Empress' daughters, Sophie, the Crown Princess of Greece, and Margarete, Princess Friedrich Karl of Hesse, and their husbands. They were followed court officials and townspeople who closed the procession. The "coffin was deposited in a car specially prepared and draped for its reception," according to the New York Times. The funeral train began its journey to Potsdam at 9:50 p.m.
By special order of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Empress' son, Kronberg residents were permitted into the Protestant chapel to pay their respects before the body was removed. They moved "in a long procession past the chancel." Almost all "had reason to remember personally" the Empress's "charities and kindness." Many cried, while others expressed deep regret at Victoria's death.
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