Victoria to remain at Windsor

December 17, 1899

The following announcement was made today by the "Court Newsmen:"
"The arrangements made for the Queen's departure from Windsor have been postponed until after Christmas, as owing to the present state of affairs in South Africa, the Queen is unwilling to be at a great distance from London."
This is the first time in many years that Queen Victoria "has decided to spend Christmas away from Osborne." Her decision to remain at Windsor allows her to keep in touch with her Cabinet and acknowledges the "gravity of the crisis and of the anxiety her Majesty feels for the welfare of the country."
Queen Victoria, 80, is "nevertheless, in fair health," and goes out for her usual drive.