LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)
Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) taking her first ride on her second birthday
14 April 1859RCIN 2900172
Princess Beatrice, the youngest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, spent her second birthday at Buckingham Palace. Her mother wrote an account of the day in her journal: 'We went to fetch her from the schoolroom, where she stood with 2 nosegays in her hand, surrounded by her sisters, looking a great little duck in a little pink silk frock, with her little curls so nicely arranged ... Baby was delighted with her toys, running about with a Pussy, she called a rabbit.' Princess Beatrice later had a party with four girls her own age. They 'ran about in the Lower Corridor, after their supper and had great fun together.'
annotation: Princefs Beatrice./ taking her 1st ride on her 2nd Birthday/ April 14th 1859./ Caldesi. [beneath work]