White Lodge for the Prince and Princess of Wales

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February 14, 1900


Queen Victoria is planning to give White Lodge in Richmond Park to the Prince and Princess of Wales as a "suburban residence," reports the Washington Post.  The Prince and Princess have "frequently expressed" the desire for a "quiet retreat" not too far from London for use during the summer season when the "temperature at Marlborough House, as elsewhere in the metropolis, is sufficiently tropical."

For a number of years, the Prince and Princess have rented Chiswick House, near the Thames and Richmond but have had to give it up as the owners are selling.

Only a few years ago, many had believed that the Duke of York would take over the house following the death of his mother-in-law, Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck who died in 1897.   White Lodge had been the home of the Duchess of York until her marriage, but the Duke "pointed out" that he could not afford to maintain the house.  It is now vacant due to the recent death of the "poor demented Duke of Teck.

The Duchess of York's father died on January 21.

So now, White Lodge, a "stately pile, consisting of a center block, with two side wings connected by corridors of so defined a curve that the ground plan of the building constitutes the segment of a circle." 

The mansion has an imposing look and is "surrounded by exquisite grounds, and a commanding magnificent view of the royal park of Richmond."

The grounds will be "especially convenient" for the Prince and Princess of Wales' annual garden party.

The Duke and Duchess of York's first child, Prince Edward of York, was born at White Lodge in June 1894.  His baptism took place there on July 16, 1894.