QueenVictoria'sFamilyPhotographs

Prince Albert Victor ( later ) the Duke of Clarence and Avondale was fastidious about the way he dressed. In these photograph you will notice his personal style.

Queen Victoria took a liking to potography and posessed a splendid collection of family photographs. These pictures on display are of interest regarding Prince Eddy.

Prince Eddy's First Love:

Princess Helene d'Orleans; born 13 June 1871-21Jan 1951. Her father was Philippe Comte de' Paris. It appeared she truly loved Prince Eddy and he said he truly loved the mademoiselle. Once the love affair was discovered as being serious the couple were not allowed to be around each other and were forceably separated.

Queen Victoria:

Queen Victoria prince Eddy's grandmother would not allow a member of the Royal family to marry a Roman Catholic. Prince Eddy was heir apparent to the throne of England in addition it would not be wise to put a strain on British and French political co-exhistence.

A talk with the Queen:

Princess Helene tried her best, she swept a low court-curtsy before Queen Victoria and vowed that she would gladly convert from the Catholic religion. Queen Victoria stated, "it is not that simple".

Prince Albert Victor confided and explained to his younger brother George, " he would have no problem with him being King, he would gladly abdicate. He moaned that Princess Helene was so sweet and he loved her so much, life would have little meaning to him without her".

Princess Alexandra Wales:

Prince Eddy's mother Princess of Wales approved the match because she believed if Helene converted that would be enough. But Princess Helene's father, The Compte de' Paris, agreed with Queen Victoria and refused to allow Helene to change her religion. "She will not marry Prince Eddy", he vowed.

Pope Leo X111:

After this senario, Princess Helene visited Pope Leo X111 who supported her fathers decision. The romance ended by Helene being quickly being promised to another.

French Russian aliance:

Tsar Alexandra 111, wanted a royal match between Russia and France to put a stronghold on their new alliance. The day before her wedding Princess Helene converted to the Russian Orthodox church.

1893 Princess Helene married Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov, the Russian Tsarevich.

1894 Nikolai acceded to the Russian throne after his fathers death.

1895 a year later they were crowned Tsar Nikolai 11 and Tsarina Yelena in Moscow.