Victoria "at death's door"

January 19, 1901

Queen Victoria "lies at death's door," according to  the latest reports.  Late tonight, she was "stricken with paralysis."   There are unconfirmed reports that the Queen cannot live until Monday.  
The Prince of Wales has "received authority to act in her Majesty's stead," and now has the power to sign State documents.   The Prince's role is a "practical, though not Constitutional regency."   He arrived at Osborne House at 6:00 p.m.
Members of the family continue to arrive at Osborne House.  Among the members of the family at Victoria's bedside are the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Louise.
Her Majesty is extremely weak, and "the loss of all her faculties appear to be at present the chief cause for anxiety," according to the New York Times.   She "lies helpless and almost speechless in her bed.  Victoria is surrounded by "every comfort" and "all the accessories of modern medicine are at hand."
It is the opinion "of those best qualified to judge" that Victoria's "present serious condition was precipitated by intense worry over the losses and hardships suffered by the British troops in South Africa."
The Queen had oft-remarked to Court officials that "another war would kill her."
No official announcement has been made regarding the severity of the queen's illness, "although sorrow is written broad upon every face."