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Alexandra of Denmark (Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia; 1 December 1844 – 20 November 1925) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Empress of India, from 22 January 1901 to 6 May 1910 as the wife of Edward VII.

Key Information

Alexandra's family had been relatively obscure until 1852, when her father, Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, was chosen (with the consent of the major European powers) to succeed his second cousin Frederick VII as King of Denmark. At the age of sixteen, Alexandra was chosen as the future wife of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the son and heir apparent of Queen Victoria. The couple married eighteen months later in 1863, the year in which her father became king of Denmark as Christian IX and her brother William was appointed king of Greece as George I.

Alexandra was Princess of Wales from 1863 to 1901, the longest anyone has ever held that title, and became generally popular; fashion-conscious women copied her style of dress and bearing. Largely excluded from wielding any political power, she unsuccessfully attempted to sway the opinion of British ministers and her husband's family to favour Greek and Danish interests. Her public duties were restricted to uncontroversial involvement in charitable work.

On the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Albert Edward became King-Emperor as Edward VII, with Alexandra as queen-empress consort. She became queen mother on Edward VII's death in 1910, at which point their son George V acceded to the throne. Alexandra died aged 80 in 1925.

Early life

[edit]

Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, or "Alix", as her immediate family knew her, was born on 1 December 1844 at the Yellow Palace, an 18th-century town house at 18 Amaliegade, immediately adjacent to the Amalienborg Palace complex in Copenhagen.[1] Her father was Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and her mother was Princess Louise of Hesse-Kassel.[2] She had five siblings: Frederick, William (later George I of Greece), Dagmar (later Empress Maria of Russia), Thyra and Valdemar.

Her father's family was a distant cadet branch of the Danish royal House of Oldenburg, which was descended from King Christian III of Denmark. Although they were of royal blood,[a] the family lived a comparatively modest life. They did not possess great wealth; her father's income from an army commission was about £800 per year, and their house was a rent-free grace and favour property.[3] Occasionally, Hans Christian Andersen was invited to call and tell the children stories before bedtime.[4]

In 1848, Christian VIII of Denmark died and his only son Frederick acceded to the throne. Frederick was childless, had been through two unsuccessful marriages, and was assumed to be infertile. A succession crisis arose because Frederick ruled in both Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein, and the succession rules of each territory differed. In Holstein, the Salic law prevented inheritance through the female line, whereas no such restrictions applied in Denmark. Holstein, being predominantly German, proclaimed independence and called in the aid of Prussia. In 1852, the major European powers called a conference in London to discuss the Danish succession. An uneasy peace was agreed, which included the provision that Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg would be Frederick's heir in all his dominions and the prior claims of others (who included Christian's own mother-in-law, brother-in-law and wife) were surrendered.[5][6]

Christian IX of Denmark with his wife and their six children, 1862. Left to right: Dagmar, Frederick, Valdemar, Christian IX, Queen Louise, Thyra, William, and Alexandra.

Prince Christian was given the title Prince of Denmark and his family moved into a new official residence, Bernstorff Palace. Although the family's status had risen, there was little or no increase in their income; and they did not participate in court life in Copenhagen, for they refused to meet Frederick's third wife and former mistress, Louise Rasmussen, because she had an illegitimate child by a previous lover.[7]

Alexandra shared a draughty attic bedroom with her sister, Dagmar, made her own clothes, and waited at table along with her sisters.[8] Alexandra and Dagmar were given swimming lessons by the Swedish pioneer of women's swimming, Nancy Edberg.[9] At Bernstorff, Alexandra grew into a young woman; she was taught English by the English chaplain in Copenhagen and was confirmed in Christiansborg Palace.[10] She was devout throughout her life, and followed high church practice.[11]

Marriage and family

[edit]
Main article: Wedding of Prince Albert Edward and Princess Alexandra
See also: Wedding dress of Princess Alexandra of Denmark
The Landing of Princess Alexandra at Gravesend, by Henry Nelson O'Neil
Princess Alexandra of Denmark and the Prince of Wales, 1863

Given that Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, would reach the age of twenty in November 1861, his parents Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, were taking steps to find a bride for him. They enlisted the aid of their eldest (and already-married) daughter, Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia, in seeking a suitable candidate. Alexandra was not their first choice because the Danes were at loggerheads with the Prussians over the Schleswig-Holstein Question, and most of the British royal family's relations were German. Eventually, after rejecting other possibilities, they settled on her as "the only one to be chosen".[12]

On 24 September 1861, Crown Princess Victoria introduced her brother Albert Edward to Alexandra at Speyer. Almost a year later on 9 September 1862 (after his affair with Nellie Clifden and the death of his father Prince Albert), Albert Edward proposed to Alexandra at the Royal Castle of Laeken, the home of his great-uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium.[13]

A few months later, Alexandra travelled from Denmark to Britain aboard the royal yacht Victoria and Albert and arrived in Gravesend, Kent, on 7 March 1863.[14] Sir Arthur Sullivan composed music for her arrival and Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson, wrote an ode in Alexandra's honour:

Sea King's daughter from over the sea,
Alexandra!
Saxon and Norman and Dane are we,
But all of us Danes in our welcome of thee,
Alexandra!

— A Welcome to Alexandra, Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Thomas Longley, the Archbishop of Canterbury, married the couple on 10 March 1863 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The choice of venue was criticised. As the ceremony took place outside London, the press complained that large public crowds would not be able to view the spectacle. Prospective guests thought it awkward to get to and, as the venue was small, some people who had expected invitations were disappointed. The Danes were dismayed because only Alexandra's closest relations were invited. The British court was still in mourning for Prince Albert, so ladies were restricted to wearing grey, lilac, or mauve.[15] As the couple left Windsor for their honeymoon at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, they were cheered by the schoolboys of neighbouring Eton College, including Lord Randolph Churchill.[16]

By the end of the following year, Alexandra's father had acceded to the throne of Denmark, her brother William had become King George I of Greece, her sister Dagmar was engaged to Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsesarevich of Russia,[b] and Alexandra had given birth to her first child. Her father's accession gave rise to further conflict over the fate of Schleswig-Holstein. The German Confederation successfully invaded Denmark, reducing the area of Denmark by two-fifths. To the great irritation of Queen Victoria and the Crown Princess of Prussia, Alexandra and Albert Edward supported the Danish side in the war. The Prussian conquest of former Danish lands heightened Alexandra's profound dislike of the Germans, a feeling which stayed with her for the rest of her life.[17]

Alexandra with her firstborn child, Albert Victor, 1864

Alexandra's first child, Albert Victor, was born two months premature in early 1864. Alexandra showed devotion to her children: "She was in her glory when she could run up to the nursery, put on a flannel apron, wash the children herself and see them asleep in their little beds."[18] Albert Edward and Alexandra had six children in total: Albert Victor, George, Louise, Victoria, Maud, and Alexander. All of Alexandra's children were apparently born prematurely; biographer Richard Hough thought Alexandra deliberately misled Queen Victoria as to her probable delivery dates, as she did not want the Queen to be present at their births.[19] During the birth of her third child in 1867, the added complication of a bout of rheumatic fever threatened Alexandra's life and left her with a permanent limp.[20]

In public, Alexandra was dignified and charming; in private, affectionate and jolly.[21] She enjoyed many social activities, including dancing and ice-skating, and was an expert horsewoman and tandem driver.[22] She also enjoyed hunting, to the dismay of Queen Victoria, who asked her to stop, but without success.[23] Even after the birth of her first child, she continued to socialise much as before, which led to some friction between the Queen and the young couple, exacerbated by Alexandra's loathing of Prussians and the Queen's partiality towards them.[17]

Princess of Wales

[edit]

Albert Edward and Alexandra visited Ireland in April 1868. After her illness the previous year, she had only just begun to walk again without the aid of two walking sticks, and was already pregnant with her fourth child.[24] The royal couple undertook a six-month tour taking in Austria, Egypt and Greece over 1868 and 1869, which included visits to her brother George I of Greece, to the Crimean battlefields and, for her only, to the harem of the Khedive Ismail. In Turkey she became the first woman to sit down to dinner with the Sultan (Abdulaziz).[25]

The couple made Sandringham House their preferred residence, with Marlborough House their London base. Biographers agree that their marriage was in many ways a happy one; however, some have asserted that Albert Edward did not give his wife as much attention as she would have liked and that they gradually became estranged, until his attack of typhoid fever (the disease which was believed to have killed his father) in late 1871 brought about a reconciliation.[26][27] This is disputed by others, who point out Alexandra's frequent pregnancies throughout this period and use family letters to deny the existence of any serious rift.[28] Nevertheless, the prince was severely criticised from many quarters of society for his apparent lack of interest in her very serious illness with rheumatic fever.[29] Throughout their marriage Albert Edward continued to keep company with other women, including the actress Lillie Langtry, Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, humanitarian Agnes Keyser, and society matron Alice Keppel. Alexandra knew about most of these relationships and later permitted Alice Keppel to visit her husband as he lay dying.[30] Alexandra herself remained faithful throughout her marriage.[31]

Portrait of Alexandra of Denmark by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1864

An increasing degree of deafness, caused by hereditary otosclerosis, led to Alexandra's social isolation; she spent more time at home with her children and pets.[32] Her sixth and final pregnancy ended with the birth of a son in April 1871, but the infant died the next day. Despite Alexandra's pleas for privacy, Queen Victoria insisted on announcing a period of court mourning, which led unsympathetic elements of the press to describe the birth as "a wretched abortion" and the funeral arrangements as "sickening mummery", even though the infant was not buried in state with other members of the royal family at Windsor, but in strict privacy in the churchyard at Sandringham, where he had lived out his brief life.[33]

For eight months over 1875–76, Albert Edward was absent from Britain on a tour of India, but to her dismay Alexandra was left behind. The prince had planned an all-male group and intended to spend much of the time hunting and shooting. During his tour, one of Albert Edward's friends who was travelling with him, Lord Aylesford, was told by his wife that she was going to leave him for another man, Lord Blandford, who was himself married. Aylesford was appalled and decided to seek a divorce.[34]

Meanwhile, Lord Blandford's brother, Lord Randolph Churchill, persuaded the lovers against an elopement. Now concerned by the threat of divorce, Lady Aylesford sought to dissuade her husband from proceeding, but Lord Aylesford was adamant and refused to reconsider. In an attempt to pressure Lord Aylesford to drop his divorce suit, Lady Aylesford and Lord Randolph Churchill called on Alexandra and told her that if the divorce was to proceed they would subpoena her husband as a witness and implicate him in the scandal. Distressed at their threats, and following the advice of Sir William Knollys and the Duchess of Teck, Alexandra informed the Queen, who then wrote to the Prince of Wales. The prince was incensed. Eventually, the Blandfords and the Aylesfords both separated privately. Although Lord Randolph Churchill later apologised, for years afterwards the Prince of Wales refused to speak to or see him.[34]

Alexandra spent the spring of 1877 in Greece recuperating from a period of ill health and visiting her brother King George of Greece.[35] During the Russo-Turkish War, Alexandra was clearly partial against Turkey and towards Russia, where her sister was married to the Tsarevitch, and she lobbied for a revision of the border between Greece and Turkey in favour of the Greeks.[36] Alexandra spent the next three years largely parted from her two sons as the boys were sent on a worldwide cruise as part of their naval and general education. The farewell was very tearful and, as shown by her regular letters, she missed them terribly.[37] In 1881, Alexandra and Albert Edward travelled to Saint Petersburg after the assassination of Alexander II of Russia, both to represent Britain and so that Alexandra could provide comfort to her sister, who had become tsarina.[38]

Alexandra undertook many public duties; in the words of Queen Victoria, "to spare me the strain and fatigue of functions. She opens bazaars, attends concerts, visits hospitals in my place ... she not only never complains, but endeavours to prove that she has enjoyed what to another would be a tiresome duty."[39] She took a particular interest in the London Hospital, visiting it regularly. Joseph Merrick, the so-called "Elephant Man", was one of the patients whom she met.[40] Crowds usually cheered Alexandra rapturously,[41] but during a visit to Ireland in 1885, she suffered a rare moment of public hostility when visiting the City of Cork, a hotbed of Irish nationalism. She and her husband were booed by a crowd of two to three thousand people brandishing sticks and black flags. She smiled her way through the ordeal, which the British press still portrayed in a positive light, describing the crowds as "enthusiastic".[42] As part of the same visit, she received a Doctorate in Music from Trinity College Dublin.[43]

Alexandra was deeply saddened by the death of her eldest son, Prince Albert Victor, in 1892. His room and possessions were kept exactly as he had left them, much as those of his grandfather Prince Albert were left after his death in 1861.[44] Alexandra said, "I have buried my angel and with him my happiness."[45] Surviving letters between Alexandra and her children indicate that they were mutually devoted.[46] In 1894, her brother-in-law Alexander III of Russia died and her nephew Nicholas II became Tsar. Alexandra's widowed sister, Dowager Empress Maria of Russia, leant heavily on her for support; Alexandra, who had gone to Russia accompanied by her husband, slept, prayed, and stayed beside Maria for the next two weeks until Alexander's burial.[47] Alexandra and Albert Edward stayed on for the wedding of Nicholas to their niece Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine, who had taken the Russian name Alexandra Feodorovna and became the new tsarina.

Queen and empress consort

[edit]
Coronation portrait by Luke Fildes, 1905

With the death of her mother-in-law, Queen Victoria, in 1901, Alexandra became queen-empress with her husband's accession as Edward VII. Just two months later, her son George and daughter-in-law Mary left on an extensive tour of the empire, leaving their young children in the care of Alexandra and Edward, who doted on their grandchildren. On George's return, preparations for Edward and Alexandra's coronation in Westminster Abbey were well in hand, but just a few days before the scheduled coronation in June 1902, the King became seriously ill with appendicitis. Alexandra deputised for him at a military parade and attended the Royal Ascot races without him, in an attempt to prevent public alarm.[48] Eventually, the coronation had to be postponed and Edward had an operation performed by Frederick Treves of the London Hospital to drain the infected appendix. After his recovery, Alexandra and Edward were crowned together in August: the King by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Frederick Temple, and the Queen by the Archbishop of York, William Dalrymple Maclagan.[49]

Portrait by W. & D. Downey, 1902

Despite being queen, Alexandra's duties changed little, and she kept many of the same retainers. Alexandra's Woman of the Bedchamber, Charlotte Knollys, the daughter of Sir William Knollys, served Alexandra loyally for many years. On 10 December 1903, Knollys woke to find her bedroom full of smoke. She roused Alexandra and shepherded her to safety. In the words of Grand Duchess Augusta of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, "We must give credit to old Charlotte for really saving [Alexandra's] life."[50]

Alexandra (right) was an enthusiastic amateur photographer.[51] This photograph of her with her daughter Victoria is from Queen Alexandra's Christmas gift book, which was published in 1908 to raise money for charities.

Alexandra again looked after her grandchildren when George and Mary went on a second tour, this time to British India, over the winter of 1905–06.[52] Her father, Christian IX of Denmark, died that January. Eager to retain their family links, both to each other and to Denmark, in 1907 Alexandra and her sister, Dowager Empress Maria, purchased a villa north of Copenhagen, Hvidøre, as a private getaway.[53]

Alexandra was denied access to the King's briefing papers and excluded from some of his foreign tours to prevent her meddling in diplomatic matters.[54] She was deeply distrustful of Germans, particularly her nephew German Emperor Wilhelm II, and she invariably opposed anything that favoured German expansion or interests. For example, in 1890 Alexandra wrote a memorandum, distributed to senior British ministers and military personnel, warning against the planned exchange of the British North Sea island of Heligoland for the German colony of Zanzibar, pointing out Heligoland's strategic significance and that it could be used either by Germany to launch an attack, or by Britain to contain German aggression.[55] Despite this, the exchange went ahead. The Germans fortified the island and, in the words of Robert Ensor and as Alexandra had predicted, it "became the keystone of Germany's maritime position for offence as well as for defence".[56] The Frankfurter Zeitung was outspoken in its condemnation of Alexandra and her sister Maria, saying that the pair were "the centre of the international anti-German conspiracy".[57] Alexandra despised and distrusted Emperor Wilhelm, calling him "inwardly our enemy" in 1900.[58]

In 1910, Alexandra became the first queen consort to visit the British House of Commons during a debate. In a remarkable departure from precedent, for two hours she sat in the Ladies' Gallery overlooking the chamber while the Parliament Bill, to remove the right of the House of Lords to veto legislation, was debated.[59] Privately, Alexandra disagreed with the bill.[60] Shortly afterwards, she left to visit her brother George in Corfu. While there, she received news that King Edward was seriously ill. Alexandra returned at once and arrived only the day before her husband died. In his last hours, she personally administered oxygen from a gas cylinder to help him breathe.[61] She told Frederick Ponsonby, "I feel as if I had been turned into stone, unable to cry, unable to grasp the meaning of it all."[62] Later that year she moved out of Buckingham Palace to Marlborough House, but she retained possession of Sandringham.[63] The new king, Alexandra's son George V, soon faced a decision over the Parliament Bill. Despite her personal views, Alexandra supported her son's reluctant agreement to Prime Minister H. H. Asquith's request to create sufficient Liberal peers after a general election if the Lords continued to block the legislation.[64]

Queen mother

[edit]
Queen Alexandra, 1923

From Edward's death, Alexandra was queen mother, being a dowager queen and the mother of the reigning monarch. She did not attend the coronation of her son and daughter-in-law in 1911 since it was not customary for a crowned queen to attend the coronation of another king or queen, but otherwise continued the public side of her life, devoting time to her charitable causes. One such cause was Alexandra Rose Day, where artificial roses made by people with disabilities were sold in aid of hospitals by women volunteers.[65][c] During the First World War the custom of hanging the banners of foreign princes invested with Britain's highest order of knighthood, the Order of the Garter, in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, came under criticism, as the German members of the Order were fighting against Britain. Alexandra joined calls to "have down those hateful German banners".[66] Driven by public opinion, but against his own wishes, the King had the banners removed; but to Alexandra's dismay, he had taken down not only "those vile Prussian banners" but also those of her Hessian relations who were, in her opinion, "simply soldiers or vassals under that brutal German Emperor's orders".[66] On 17 September 1916, she was at Sandringham during a Zeppelin air raid,[67] but far worse was to befall other members of her family. In Russia, her nephew Tsar Nicholas II was overthrown and he, his wife and their children were killed by revolutionaries. Dowager Empress Maria was rescued from Russia in 1919 by HMS Marlborough and brought to England, where she lived for some time with her sister Alexandra.[68]

Last years and death

[edit]
Main article: Death and funeral of Alexandra of Denmark

Alexandra retained a youthful appearance into her senior years,[69] but during the war her age caught up with her.[70] She took to wearing elaborate veils and heavy makeup, which was described by gossips as having her face "enamelled".[8] She made no more trips abroad, and her health worsened. In 1920, a blood vessel in her eye burst, leaving her with temporary partial blindness.[71] Towards the end of her life, her memory and speech became impaired.[72] Alexandra died at 5:25 pm on 20 November 1925 at Sandringham House from a heart attack, aged 80.[73] She lay in state at Westminster Abbey and was interred on 28 November next to her husband in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.[1][74]

Legacy

[edit]
Detail of the Queen Alexandra Memorial, opposite St James's Palace
Wall-mounted plaque for Queen Alexandra in St Ninian's Chapel, Braemar, where her eldest daughter is buried

The Queen Alexandra Memorial by Alfred Gilbert was unveiled on Alexandra Rose Day 8 June 1932 at Marlborough Gate, London.[75] An ode in her memory, "So many true princesses who have gone", composed by the then Master of the King's Musick Sir Edward Elgar to words by the Poet Laureate John Masefield, was sung at the unveiling and conducted by the composer.[76]

Alexandra was highly popular with the British public.[77] Unlike her husband and mother-in-law, Alexandra was not castigated by the press.[78] Funds that she helped to collect were used to buy a river launch, called Alexandra, to ferry the wounded during the Sudan campaign,[79] and to fit out a hospital ship, named The Princess of Wales, to bring back wounded from the Boer War.[80] During the Boer War, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, later renamed Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, was founded under Royal Warrant.

Alexandra had little understanding of money.[81] The management of her finances was left in the hands of her loyal comptroller, Sir Dighton Probyn VC, who undertook a similar role for her husband. In the words of her grandson, Edward VIII (later the Duke of Windsor), "Her generosity was a source of embarrassment to her financial advisers. Whenever she received a letter soliciting money, a cheque would be sent by the next post, regardless of the authenticity of the mendicant and without having the case investigated."[82] Though she was not always extravagant (she had her old stockings darned for re-use and her old dresses were recycled as furniture covers),[83] she would dismiss protests about her heavy spending with a wave of a hand or by claiming that she had not heard.[84]

Alexandra hid a small scar on her neck, which was probably the result of a childhood operation,[85] by wearing choker necklaces and high necklines, setting fashions which were adopted for fifty years.[86] Alexandra's effect on fashion was so profound that society ladies even copied her limping gait, after her serious illness in 1867 left her with a stiff leg.[87] This came to be known as the "Alexandra limp".[88][89] She used predominantly the London fashion houses; her favourite was Redfern's, but she shopped occasionally at Doucet and Fromont of Paris.[83]

Alexandra has been portrayed on television by Deborah Grant and Helen Ryan in Edward the Seventh, Ann Firbank in Lillie, Maggie Smith in All the King's Men, and Bibi Andersson in The Lost Prince.[90][91][92][93] She was portrayed in film by Helen Ryan again in the 1980 film The Elephant Man, Sara Stewart in the 1997 film Mrs Brown, and Julia Blake in the 1999 film Passion.[94][95][96] In a 1980 stage play by Royce Ryton, Motherdear, she was portrayed by Margaret Lockwood in her last acting role.[97] Also, in 1907, the Royal Alexandra Theatre was built in Toronto, Canada, as North America's first royal theatre. The venue was named after her, after a patent letter was granted by the King, her husband Edward VII.[98]

Honours

[edit]

British

She was the first woman since 1488 to be made a Lady of the Garter.[100]

Foreign

Arms

[edit]

Queen Alexandra's arms upon the accession of her husband in 1901 were the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the arms of her father, the King of Denmark.[111][112] The shield is surmounted by the imperial crown, and supported by the crowned lion of England and a wild man or savage from the Danish royal arms.[111]

Issue

[edit]
Further information: Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark § Children of Alexandra and Edward VII
This section is an excerpt from Edward VII § Issue.[edit]
Name Birth Death Marriage/notes
Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale 8 January 1864 14 January 1892 (aged 28) engaged 1891, to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck
George V 3 June 1865 20 January 1936 (aged 70) 1893, Princess Victoria Mary of Teck; had issue including Edward VIII and George VI
Louise, Princess Royal 20 February 1867 4 January 1931 (aged 63) 1889, Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife; had issue
Princess Victoria 6 July 1868 3 December 1935 (aged 67) never married and without issue
Princess Maud 26 November 1869 20 November 1938 (aged 68) 1896, Prince Carl of Denmark (King of Norway as Haakon VII from 1905); had issue including Prince Alexander (later Olav V)
Prince Alexander John of Wales 6 April 1871 7 April 1871 born and died at Sandringham House

Ancestry

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alexandra of Denmark

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from Grokipedia

Alexandra of Denmark (1 December 1844 – 20 November 1925) was Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India as the consort of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910. Born in Copenhagen as the eldest daughter of Prince Christian (later King Christian IX of Denmark) and Princess Louise of Hesse-Cassel, she married Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and eldest son of Queen Victoria, on 10 March 1863 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The union produced six children, three sons and three daughters, five of whom survived infancy, including the future King George V. As Princess of Wales for nearly 38 years—the longest such tenure—she gained renown for her beauty, charitable endeavors, and influence on fashion, including high necklines to conceal a neck scar and shorter hemlines adapted to her limp from childhood rheumatic fever. Upon her father-in-law's death in 1901, she became queen consort, continuing her philanthropy by founding Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service during the Boer War and supporting initiatives like Alexandra Rose Day for hospitals. Her marriage endured strains from Edward's numerous extramarital affairs and gambling, yet she maintained public composure and royal duties, including patronage of nursing and medical causes, while developing progressive habits such as smoking privately.

Early Life

Birth and Danish Heritage

Princess Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia was born on 1 December 1844 at the Yellow Palace, an 18th-century town mansion located at Amaliegade 18 in , . She was known within her immediate family as "Alix." Alexandra was the eldest daughter and second of six children born to Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and . At the time of her birth, her family occupied a relatively modest position within European royalty, residing in the Yellow Palace adjacent to Palace but without immediate claim to the Danish throne. Her father's branch of the family had limited prominence until selected as heirs presumptive to the childless King Frederick VII. Her Danish heritage stemmed from the , a of the that had ruled since 1863, when her father ascended as King Christian IX following the death of Frederick VII. The Glücksburg line's elevation to the Danish monarchy occurred amid 19th-century succession reforms, as the main Oldenburg line lacked male heirs, positioning Christian's male descendants—including Alexandra's brother Frederick—as successors. This heritage linked Alexandra to a dynasty with deep roots in Scandinavian and German principalities, reflecting the interconnected royal houses of prior to her marriage into the .

Childhood Upbringing

Princess Alexandra Caroline Marie of Denmark, known as "Alix" within her family, was born on 1 December 1844 at the Yellow Palace in to Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and Princess . Her parents' union produced six children, with Alexandra as the eldest daughter and second child overall; her siblings included Frederick (born 1843), William George (1845, later King George I of Greece), Dagmar (1847, later Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia), (1853), and Valdemar (1858). The family descended from a distant of the , lacking proximity to the throne, which shaped a childhood marked by relative obscurity and financial restraint despite their royal blood. The Yellow Palace served as the family's primary residence during Alexandra's early years, provided rent-free by King Christian VIII with access to gardens and other amenities, fostering a simple yet affectionate home life shared among the siblings in a communal nursery. Summers were often spent at nearby estates, contributing to a carefree childhood centered on family closeness rather than extravagance. In 1853, Prince Christian's designation as to the —following the expected of the main royal line—elevated the family's status, prompting a move to Bernstorff Palace as their official residence and summer retreat, though limited funds meant continued modesty in lifestyle and expenditures. This unpretentious upbringing instilled values of frugality and familial loyalty, contrasting sharply with the grandeur of British court life she would enter upon her 1863 marriage, while her parents' active involvement in the children's daily affairs emphasized practical over ceremonial pomp.

Education and Formative Experiences

Alexandra received a modest and primarily home-based typical of Danish princesses of her era, with instruction divided by gender after initial family lessons. Her mother, Louise of Hesse-Cassel, oversaw the girls' schooling, teaching them , , , , dancing, and , while emphasizing , deportment, and ; Alexandra showed particular aptitude for but struggled with more rigorous academic subjects. Her father, Prince Christian (later King Christian IX), supervised physical training for the children, fostering athletic skills such as in which she excelled. Foreign languages formed a key component of her curriculum, with Alexandra learning French, German, and English through dedicated tutors and English nannies, reflecting the family's efforts to prepare for potential diplomatic roles despite financial constraints. This practical focus, rather than extensive scholarly pursuits, aligned with the family's relatively frugal circumstances in the Yellow Palace and later at Bernstorff Castle, where summers involved family walks, , and musical evenings that reinforced her fun-loving disposition. Formative experiences included a close bond with her siblings, particularly sister Dagmar, amid a happy yet simple upbringing that instilled affection, honesty, and tact, though she remained somewhat impulsive and unsophisticated; a childhood fever caused slight , contributing to early shyness that she overcame through graciousness and charm. These elements, combined with her mother's strong-willed influence, shaped a personality marked by natural beauty and warmth, preparing her indirectly for future public roles despite the limitations of her informal education.

Marriage to the Prince of Wales

Courtship and Betrothal

In the early 1860s, Queen Victoria sought a suitable bride for her son Albert Edward, , amid concerns over his personal conduct and the need for a stabilizing union. Princess Alexandra, the eldest daughter of Prince Christian of (later Christian IX), was identified as a promising candidate following diplomatic soundings and reports of her charm and accomplishments. The couple's first meeting occurred on 24 September 1861 at in , meticulously arranged by Albert Edward's eldest sister, Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia, to facilitate a discreet introduction during his continental tour. The Prince found Alexandra attractive and engaging, describing her favorably in letters home, which encouraged further pursuit despite initial reservations from his parents regarding Denmark's precarious international position amid the crisis. Prince Albert's endorsement of the match preceded his death on 14 December 1861, after which proceeded cautiously but maintained momentum through correspondence between the young couple. A second meeting took place in the summer of 1862, leading to the formal proposal on 9 1862 at of Laeken near , hosted by King Leopold I of the Belgians, where Alexandra accepted amid private family celebrations. The engagement was announced publicly on 9 September 1862, generating enthusiastic response across Britain, with illuminations and festivities in . The betrothal was formalized through a signed on 15 January 1863, addressing , titles, and residences, while navigating Prussian objections to the alliance due to Denmark's claims on disputed duchies.

Wedding and Early Marital Years

Princess Alexandra of Denmark arrived in England on 7 March 1863, landing at , , aboard the royal yacht Victoria and Albert, where she was greeted by enthusiastic crowds and royal attendants. On 10 March 1863, Alexandra married Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in a ceremony at , officiated by Thomas Longley, the . The event, attended by and numerous dignitaries, was described as the grandest wedding ever held at the chapel, featuring elaborate processions and a breakfast hosted by the Queen. Following the wedding, the couple honeymooned at on the Isle of Wight before establishing their primary residence at in . In these initial years, Alexandra adapted to her role as , navigating the expectations of the British court under Queen Victoria's influence while gaining public favor for her charm and style. The period also saw the couple's household formation, setting the stage for their family life amid the Prince's military and social commitments.

Family Formation and Children

Following their marriage on 10 March 1863 at , Alexandra and Albert Edward, , established their household at in , later expanding to in . Their family grew rapidly, with Alexandra giving birth to six children over seven years, all prematurely. The couple's firstborn, Prince Albert Victor, arrived on 8 January 1864 at , Windsor. This was followed by Prince George on 3 June 1865 at ; Princess Louise in February 1867; Princess Victoria in July 1868; Princess Maud in November 1869 at ; and Prince Alexander John in April 1871 at , who lived only one day. Alexandra proved a devoted and possessive , earning the endearment "Motherdear" from her children, with whom she maintained close bonds despite the Prince of Wales's frequent absences. Her hands-on approach contrasted with the more distant royal norms, fostering a nurturing environment at their residences. The surviving children—Albert Victor, George, Louise, Victoria, and Maud—were raised amid the privileges of their station, though Alexandra's health challenges, including a limp from during her third pregnancy, influenced family dynamics.

Period as Princess of Wales

Official Duties and Public Engagements

As from 1863 to 1901, fulfilled a wide array of official duties, including presiding over ceremonial openings, charity events, and hospital visits, thereby representing the in public life. relied on her to perform many such functions, stating that opened bazaars, attended charities, visited the sick, and undertook other engagements "to spare me the strain and fatigue of functions." This role was particularly significant given Victoria's prolonged mourning period after Prince Albert's death in 1861, during which the queen withdrew from much public activity. Alexandra's engagements emphasized charitable and medical causes, reflecting her interest in nursing and welfare. On 9 July 1872, she laid the foundation stone for new buildings at in , an event that underscored her commitment to pediatric care. She served as patron of institutions like the , where she made regular visits and supported expansions, and participated in fundraising efforts for hospitals during crises such as the cattle plague of 1865–1866. Her public appearances often involved distributing awards, inspecting sanitary facilities, and hosting receptions at , the official residence of the Prince and . In addition to domestic duties, Alexandra attended state ceremonies, including parliamentary openings and jubilees, where she accompanied her husband in processions and balls. During Queen Victoria's in 1887, she rode in the royal carriage during the thanksgiving service procession on 21 June, drawing public acclaim for her poise and style. Her efforts helped maintain the visibility of the royal family amid Victoria's seclusion, fostering popularity for the Waleses through accessible and sympathetic public interactions, though her activities were somewhat curtailed by chronic health issues like after the 1867 typhoid illness.

International Travels and Diplomatic Efforts

During her tenure as Princess of Wales from 1863 to 1901, Alexandra accompanied her husband, the Prince of Wales, on select international journeys that served both recreational and representational purposes, though she was frequently excluded from his more politically sensitive foreign engagements to limit her involvement in state affairs. One notable trip occurred in early 1869, when the couple embarked on an extended tour of the , including a visit to where they arrived in on February 5 aboard the royal yacht . The itinerary featured a Nile cruise on a dahabieh houseboat, allowing them to explore ancient sites such as the pyramids and Luxor temples, with group photographs capturing the party amid the desert landscape in April. This voyage, part of a broader itinerary touching , the , and , underscored the couple's role in projecting British prestige abroad while Alexandra recovered from prior health setbacks, though it carried limited overt diplomatic weight beyond ceremonial goodwill. Alexandra maintained close ties to her native through recurrent family visits, often spending summers there to reconnect with her parents, King Christian IX and Queen Louise, and siblings, including her brother King George I of and sister Empress Maria Feodorovna of . These trips, occurring roughly every few years—such as extended stays in the late 1880s—fostered personal respite amid her British duties but also reinforced informal dynastic networks linking Britain to Scandinavian and Orthodox monarchies. While not formal state visits, they indirectly supported Britain's continental relations by leveraging Alexandra's familial influence, as her father's "father-in-law of Europe" extended through her marriages into key houses. In diplomatic spheres, Alexandra exerted subtle pressure on British policy to favor Danish interests, particularly during the Second Schleswig War of 1864, where Prussian and Austrian forces overran Danish territories including Schleswig and . Her 1862 betrothal had been partly motivated as a counter to Prussian expansionism under , yet post-marriage advocacy for military aid to proved unavailing, as Prime Minister Lord Palmerston and prioritized neutrality to avoid broader European entanglement. Alexandra's persistent appeals to ministers and in-laws reflected her pro-Danish bias, rooted in national loyalty, but yielded no substantive intervention, highlighting her marginalization from core policymaking; she similarly championed Greek causes via her brother George I, though these efforts remained personal rather than official. Her exclusion from many of the Prince's solo diplomatic forays, such as his 1875–1876 Indian tour, further constrained her role to hostess duties for visiting royals, like her sister's 1873 stay, which strengthened Anglo-Russian courtly bonds without altering state alignments.

Personal Health Issues and Adaptations

In 1867, while pregnant with her third child, Princess Alexandra contracted rheumatic fever, which severely affected her right knee and resulted in a permanent stiffness and limp. Despite the illness, she delivered a healthy daughter, Louise, but the damage required her to relearn walking with the aid of sticks and adapt her gait permanently. To mitigate the uneven stride, she wore a shoe with a higher heel on the affected leg, a practical adjustment that influenced footwear trends among aristocratic women. Her condition prompted the adoption of jeweled walking canes as accessories, as she frequently used them for support during public appearances, turning necessity into a fashionable statement that others emulated as the "Alexandra limp." Alexandra also experienced progressive hearing loss from otosclerosis, a hereditary condition causing abnormal bone growth in the , which began in her youth and intensified from her late twenties onward. She refused conventional aids like ear trumpets and did not learn lip-reading, instead relying on for communication and positioning herself to observe speakers' faces directly during conversations. This impairment contributed to her social withdrawal over time, though she maintained public duties by adapting protocols, such as ensuring courtiers spoke clearly and closely. In later years, she experimented with early electric hearing devices, including a portable model demonstrated at VII's 1902 , which provided some amplification despite the technology's limitations. These adaptations allowed her to fulfill ceremonial roles, though the combined physical challenges increasingly limited her mobility and engagement in prolonged events.

Queenship and Consort Role

Ascension with Edward VII

Upon the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901, Prince Edward became King Edward VII, and Alexandra ascended as Queen consort of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as Empress consort of India. This transition marked the end of the 63-year Victorian era and the beginning of the Edwardian, with Alexandra, who had served as Princess of Wales for nearly 38 years—the longest tenure in British history—now assuming a more prominent ceremonial role alongside her husband. Despite her ongoing health challenges, including a pronounced limp from chronic rheumatism that had worsened over time, Alexandra maintained public composure and loyalty to Edward, even amid his well-known extramarital affairs. Preparations for the royal coronation proceeded apace, originally scheduled for 26 June 1902 at . However, on 24 June 1902, just two days before the planned event, was diagnosed with acute and underwent emergency surgery performed by Sir Frederick Treves, marking one of the first instances of such an operation on a reigning to avert . The procedure's success allowed for a postponement rather than cancellation, rescheduling the ceremony to 9 August 1902, which proceeded with Alexandra being anointed and crowned as in a lavish service attended by over 8,000 guests, symbolizing the continuity of the . Alexandra's participation, despite her physical limitations requiring her to use a during parts of the rite, underscored her dedication to royal tradition and public expectation. In the immediate aftermath of the ascension, Alexandra focused on charitable endeavors reflective of her longstanding interests in and aid for the afflicted, establishing the Imperial Military Nursing Service later in 1902 to professionalize care for wounded soldiers. Her initial reluctance to relocate from the familiar to highlighted a preference for personal comfort amid the demands of queenship, though she eventually adapted to the new residences. Throughout this period, Alexandra's popularity with the British public remained high, bolstered by her graceful bearing and avoidance of political entanglement, allowing to navigate the constitutional shifts from Victoria's insular reign toward a more outward-facing .

Court Life and Social Patronage

As from 1901 to 1910, Alexandra presided over a that revived the grandeur of royal entertaining after the more secluded , hosting formal events such as levees, investitures, and drawing rooms at , which occurred four times annually to present debutantes and dignitaries. She maintained strict adherence to etiquette, selecting elderly and unassuming ladies-in-waiting to minimize distractions from Edward VII's known infidelities, while her personal charm and punctiliousness ensured the court's dignity amid the sociable "" of artists, actors, and politicians. Alexandra's social patronage emphasized , particularly in healthcare and , where she helped establish the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps in 1902 to professionalize military services. In 1905, she assumed the presidency of the , signing its royal charter and supporting its expansion, reflecting her commitment to welfare causes through direct financial aid and public endorsements. Her influence extended to broader charitable efforts, including patronage of hospitals and aid for the needy, often distributing personal funds, which enhanced her popularity despite her limited formal political involvement. The court's social calendar under Alexandra featured the London season's opulent dinners, balls, and sporting events like Royal Ascot and Cowes Week, where she exemplified elegance as a leader, popularizing necklaces and setting trends that blended with . These activities not only fulfilled ceremonial duties but also fostered diplomatic goodwill, as Alexandra occasionally substituted for during his health declines, undertaking public engagements with poise despite her chronic limp from . Her tenure marked a transitional court life, balancing Edwardian extravagance with enduring monarchical decorum.

Philanthropic Initiatives and Achievements

Queen Alexandra demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare and reforms during her tenure as , most notably through her leadership in establishing the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) in March 1902. This organization professionalized military by integrating female nurses into the British Army's medical framework, building on the urgent needs exposed during the Second Boer War (1899–1902), where ad hoc nursing efforts highlighted deficiencies in organized care for wounded soldiers. As patron and president of the QAIMNS, she elevated the status of military nurses, ensuring standardized training and deployment, which marked a significant advancement in . Her philanthropy extended to civilian hospitals, particularly the London Hospital, where she served as president from 1904 and maintained a hands-on interest in patient care and staff welfare. Alexandra actively promoted cutting-edge treatments, including Niels Finsen's for , which she first introduced to in 1900 by donating and continued to champion through visits and endorsements during her queenship. This initiative helped establish specialized departments in the UK, treating skin conditions previously resistant to conventional methods and demonstrating her influence in bridging Danish medical innovations with British practice. These efforts underscored Alexandra's broader patronage of and medical charities, reflecting her personal experiences with challenges and her dedication to improving outcomes for both and civilians through empirical advancements in care. Her initiatives not only provided immediate relief but also laid foundational structures for professional that endured beyond her lifetime.

Widowhood as Queen Mother

Transition After Edward's Death

Upon the death of King Edward VII on 6 May 1910 at from complications of and , Queen Alexandra, who had returned from visiting her brother in just in time to be at his bedside, exhibited remarkable composure despite profound personal grief. She later confided to associates that the loss left her feeling "turned into stone, unable to cry, unable to grasp the reality of the blow," reflecting the depth of her emotional numbness amid the sudden dynastic shift. Official bulletins confirmed her health remained stable, and she bore the bereavement with evident calm, issuing a public letter of gratitude to the for their expressions of sympathy shortly thereafter. With Edward's passing, their eldest surviving son, George, immediately acceded as King George V, elevating Alexandra to the status of and —the first in Britain to hold the latter title in the —while she retained the style of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra to distinguish her from the new , Mary. This transition entailed a reduction in formal ceremonial precedence at court, though she preserved significant privileges, including the use of as her primary residence, which the new sovereigns largely respected to avoid displacing her abruptly. Alexandra initially delayed the removal of Edward's body from for eight days, permitting limited private viewings, before it proceeded to for the lying-in-state ahead of the on 20 May 1910 at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, where she participated prominently in black mourning attire. In the ensuing months, Alexandra adapted to widowhood by withdrawing somewhat from the intensifying pace of official duties assumed by George V and Queen Mary, yet she maintained an active advisory role within the family and continued select philanthropic engagements, such as hospital patronage, from her preferred retreats including Sandringham House. Court mourning lasted only one month, aligning with practical considerations for the ongoing social season, though Alexandra personally extended her period of seclusion and reflection, solidifying her position as a stabilizing matriarchal figure amid the Edwardian-to-Georgian royal pivot. Her demeanor during this phase—marked by dignified restraint rather than prolonged isolation like Queen Victoria's—facilitated a smoother handover of monarchical visibility to the new reign, while underscoring her enduring public affection earned over decades.

Role During World War I

As Queen Mother following the death of her husband in 1910, Alexandra maintained a prominent role in supporting Britain's war effort during , primarily through her longstanding patronage of military nursing. The Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS), which she had established in 1902 to provide trained nurses for the , expanded rapidly at the war's outset in 1914, forming the backbone of official female medical staffing with over 10,000 nurses serving by 1918 across fronts including and the Eastern theaters. In September 1914, Alexandra launched a public appeal on behalf of the Red Cross for funds to aid sick and wounded soldiers, resulting in an influx of donations that enabled the of medical supplies, ambulances, and hospital equipment; this initiative, often symbolized by her personally endorsed "Red Cross bags" for contributions, underscored her commitment to welfare amid the conflict's early casualties exceeding 250,000 British troops by year's end. Her personal animus toward Germany, rooted in familial tensions and the war's outbreak, intensified during the conflict; she openly expressed revulsion toward her nephew Kaiser Wilhelm II, aligning her sentiments with widespread British anti-German feeling while avoiding direct political involvement due to her age of 70 at the war's start. Alexandra's efforts focused on morale-boosting rather than frontline visits, reflecting her physical limitations from chronic health issues, yet her nursing legacy directly contributed to reducing mortality rates from wounds and among servicemen.

Final Years, Death, and Funeral Arrangements

In the years following the death of her son, King George V's accession, Queen Alexandra's health continued to decline, marked by chronic frailty that had persisted for at least three years prior to her passing. Long-standing mobility limitations from and confined her increasingly to residences such as and , reducing her public engagements. Queen Alexandra died at 5:25 p.m. on 20 November 1925 at in , , following a severe heart attack; she was 80 years old. King George V and other family members were present at her bedside during her final moments. Her body initially lay in state in the church at , where she had worshipped regularly. It was then transported to and placed in the at before a funeral service at on 27 November 1925, allowing public access for respects under the lantern tower near the high altar. That evening, the coffin proceeded to for a private committal service. She was interred in St. George's Chapel at , beside her husband, King Edward VII, in the Royal Vault beneath the chapel. The arrangements reflected her status as , combining public mourning with royal protocol, though without a full procession on the scale of a reigning monarch's.

Personal Traits and Controversies

Physical Appearance and Fashion Influence

Alexandra possessed delicate features, including a well-shaped narrow , fine regular teeth, and large prettily marked eyes, contributing to her as a beauty icon and the most photographed woman of the . Standing approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, she maintained a slender figure, often accentuated by fitted attire rather than extreme corseting. A severe bout of in 1867, following several pregnancies, left her with a permanent due to complications in her left , which she sought to conceal through modified clothing and an altered gait. This inadvertently influenced , as women imitated her pronounced —known as the "Alexandra "—by wearing mismatched shoe heels to emulate her style. Additionally, a small on her neck, possibly from childhood illness or , prompted her to adopt high collars and necklaces, such as layered pearl "dog collars," which became enduring trends among elite women. As Princess and later Queen, Alexandra's wardrobe emphasized practicality and elegance, favoring tailor-made gowns with plain, graceful skirts, close-fitting bodices, and fabrics like velvet, cloth, and tweed over cumbersome crinolines or trailing dresses. She popularized colors including blue, pearl grey, heliotrope, mauve, and the combination of black and white, while introducing bejeweled walking sticks and pointed corsages for evening wear. Her 1902 coronation gown, a gold-embellished design by Parisian house Morin-Blossier, exemplified her preference for innovative, spangle-adorned pieces that blended tradition with modernity. These choices not only masked physical imperfections but also set standards copied across society, reinforcing her role as an arbiter of style from 1863 to 1910.

Character, Habits, and Interpersonal Dynamics

Alexandra exhibited a gentle and uncomplicated temperament, marked by kindness and affection toward her family and those in her circle. Her personality combined public dignity and charm with private jollity, as she enjoyed socializing, dancing, and ice-skating in her youth. However, partial from birth, which progressively worsened and necessitated an in later years, contributed to her shyness and sometimes perceived coldness in public interactions. In habits, Alexandra was notably unconventional for her era as one of the first prominent women to smoke cigarettes regularly, often using a holder, which influenced subsequent royal women. She developed a permanent limp from following the birth of her third child in 1867, which affected her mobility and added to her physical challenges alongside increasing . Despite these, she maintained an active social life, prioritizing family closeness and charitable engagements over confrontation. Interpersonally, Alexandra was a devoted, hands-on mother who adored her six children, allowing them physical affection and fostering unselfish habits among them. Her marriage to , strained by his numerous extramarital affairs, saw her exercise remarkable tolerance, maintaining composure and civility toward his mistresses while securing her position through public popularity and private resilience. Relations with remained cordial, with the latter praising her affectionate nature despite occasional tensions over Edward's indiscretions. This forbearance extended to ignoring personal slights, allowing her to navigate court dynamics with tact and emotional steadiness.

Marital Relations, Rumors, and Criticisms

Alexandra married Albert , Prince of Wales (later ), on 10 March 1863 at , in a union arranged for dynastic purposes but marked by initial mutual affection. The couple produced six children, though two died in infancy, and their relationship evolved into one of cordial separation, with Edward pursuing independent social pursuits while Alexandra focused on family and philanthropy. Despite early devotion—Alexandra reportedly remained deeply in love with her husband throughout—their marital intimacy waned after the 1870s, coinciding with Edward's documented pattern of extramarital liaisons, which he maintained discreetly to avoid public scandal. Edward's infidelities were extensive and prolonged, involving at least a dozen confirmed mistresses, including actress from 1877 to around 1880, society hostess Daisy Brooke (Lady Warwick) in a nine-year affair starting in the late 1880s, and from 1898 until his death in 1910. Alexandra was fully aware of these relationships, as they became open secrets within court circles, yet she adopted a policy of dignified silence, refusing to confront Edward directly and instead prioritizing monarchical stability and her own emotional resilience. She extended civility to some of Edward's paramours, notably permitting Keppel's presence at his deathbed on 6 May 1910, though she later had her removed amid emotional distress. This tolerance stemmed from a pragmatic understanding of royal duty over personal grievance, as was untenable for a future in Victorian and Edwardian society. Rumors of Alexandra's own circulated sporadically, often linked to her close platonic friendships with male confidants such as Oliver Montagu, but no contemporary evidence or documentation supports claims of extramarital relations on her part. never publicly or privately accused her of unfaithfulness, and historical accounts emphasize her adherence to Christian vows of amid her husband's transgressions. Speculation about her deafness—progressing after 1870 from —or physical ailments driving 's pursuits lacks causal substantiation, as his promiscuity predated these issues and aligned with his pre-marital behavior. Criticisms of their marital dynamics centered on Alexandra's perceived passivity, with some contemporaries and later observers portraying her as the "most publicly cheated wife in ," enduring humiliation without assertion, which arguably enabled Edward's excesses and strained the monarchy's moral image. Edward faced rebuke for compromising family life and public propriety, while Alexandra drew indirect criticism for lavish mourning rituals after the 1871 death of their son Prince John, deemed excessive by press elements amid broader scrutiny of royal extravagance. Nonetheless, their arrangement preserved outward harmony, with Alexandra's forbearance credited by some for averting that could have destabilized the during Edward's from 1901 to 1910.

Legacy and Historical Assessment

Contributions to Monarchy and Society

Alexandra played a pivotal role in revitalizing the British monarchy's public image during her time as , countering the detachment that had grown under Queen Victoria's extended mourning after Prince Albert's death in 1861. Her charm and visibility drew massive public support, positioning the royal family as approachable and glamorous, which helped sustain monarchical relevance amid evolving societal expectations. In the realm of societal contributions, Alexandra's patronage elevated military nursing standards; the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service was formed by Royal Warrant on March 27, 1902, with her as president, providing professional care to army personnel and exemplifying royal endorsement of practical welfare reforms. Her marriage in forged enduring ties between the British crown and other European houses, including , , and , enhancing the monarchy's diplomatic prestige and fostering a pre-World War I vision of interconnected royalty, as illustrated in her 1908 Queen Alexandra’s Christmas Gift Book featuring royal kin portraits. This network underscored the monarchy's role in stabilizing continental relations through familial alliances.

Cultural Depictions and Memorials

The principal memorial to Queen Alexandra is the Queen Alexandra Memorial located on Marlborough Road in , adjacent to , her former residence; designed by sculptor in an style with symbolic elements, it features bronze figures representing Faith, Hope, and Love under three canopied niches supported by buttresses, and was commissioned after her death in 1925 but completed and unveiled in 1932. Additional statues honor her legacy elsewhere: in , a statue erected in 1908 by supporters of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service depicts her visiting hospital wards, accompanied by a bronze relief on the plinth showing her with dignitaries amid patients. In , Australia—a town renamed in her honor circa 1867 during her time as —a statue commemorates her in that role, reflecting her popularity in the . Cultural depictions of Alexandra are primarily historical rather than fictional, appearing in biographical works such as W. R. H. Trowbridge's Queen Alexandra: A Study of Royalty (1921), which portrays her through contemporary accounts of her public life and personal traits, and Kate Strasdin's Inside the Royal Wardrobe: A Dress History of Queen Alexandra (2017), analyzing her garments as artifacts of Edwardian fashion and self-presentation. Her own photographic albums, showcasing European royalty and family scenes, have been exhibited and studied for insights into late 19th- and early 20th-century court culture, with a 2025 Buckingham Palace display highlighting her as a pioneering royal photographer. Appearances in popular media remain sparse, limited to documentary contexts rather than dramatized portrayals.

Scholarly Views, Achievements, and Debates

Historians such as Georgina Battiscombe, in her , portray Alexandra as a resilient and elegant figure who navigated the demands of British royalty with personal charm and dedication to duty, blending factual accounts with intimate anecdotes to highlight her as a "great lady" without undue idealization. Scholars emphasize her stabilizing presence in the royal family during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, where she supported public engagements and charitable initiatives amid her husband's political activities, contributing to the monarchy's image of accessibility. Recent analyses, including doctoral work on queenship, position her as the most prominent royal consort of her time, yet note a scholarly gap in deep examination of her influence beyond her early years as . Key achievements cited by historians include her patronage of and healthcare reforms. Alexandra advocated for improved conditions, particularly for children, and her efforts helped establish the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) in 1902, which professionalized military and expanded during to include over 10,000 nurses by war's end. She also influenced and societal norms through her wardrobe choices, as explored in dress history studies, where her of slim silhouettes and modest Danish roots shaped elite women's styles in the late , promoting an image of refined beauty despite physical challenges. Debates among scholars center on Alexandra's management of her physical disability—a pronounced limp from childhood contracted around 1849—and its implications for royal representation. While some view her use of corsets and canes to conceal the equinus deformity as a pragmatic assertion of agency that upheld ideals of monarchical , others argue it reinforced unrealistic beauty standards and obscured the realities of in elite circles. Her limited overt political engagement, contrasted with her behind-the-scenes familial influence, sparks discussion on the extent of consorts' power; for instance, her role in fostering European royal networks via Danish ties is seen by some as diplomatically astute, yet critiqued for potential conflicts with British interests during rising German tensions pre-1914. Biographers like Battiscombe acknowledge rumors of extramarital involvements but attribute them to court gossip rather than substantiated influence on her public legacy, prioritizing her charitable impact over personal scandals.

Titles, Honours, and Symbols

Evolving Royal Titles


Alexandra was born on 1 December 1844 at the Yellow Palace in Copenhagen as Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia of Denmark, the eldest daughter of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, who ascended as Christian IX of Denmark in 1863.
Her marriage to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and eldest son of Queen Victoria, took place on 10 March 1863 at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, upon which she became Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, a title she held for nearly 38 years—the longest tenure in British history.
Following Queen Victoria's death on 22 January 1901, Albert Edward acceded as Edward VII, elevating Alexandra to Her Majesty The Queen, consort of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, with her principal style as Queen Alexandra.
After Edward VII's death on 6 May 1910, during which her son George V succeeded to the throne, Alexandra retained the style Her Majesty Queen Alexandra as the queen dowager, a designation she held until her death on 20 November 1925.

Awards and Decorations Received

Alexandra received honours from both her native and her adopted Britain, as well as select foreign orders, commensurate with her royal status. In Britain, King Edward VII appointed her Lady of the Most Noble (L.G.) shortly after his accession, reviving the dormant practice of inducting ladies into the order for the first time since 1488. As a Danish princess, she held the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog, Denmark's premier order of chivalry. Among foreign honours, she was invested as Dame of the Order of Saint Isabel from Portugal on 23 June 1863, shortly before her marriage, and received the Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Saint Catherine from the Russian Empire in 1863.
HonourCountryDate/Notes
Lady of the Most Noble (L.G.)Appointed by post-1901 accession; first lady since 1488
Grand Cross of the Order of DannebrogAs princess prior to 1863 marriage
Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Isabel23 June 1863
Grand Cross of the 1863

Heraldic Arms and Representations

As Princess of Wales following her marriage to the Prince of Wales on 10 March 1863, Alexandra's coat of arms impaled the arms granted to her husband—a differenced version of the royal arms of the United Kingdom—with the arms of her father, King Christian IX of Denmark, which featured three lions azure crowned or, armed and langued gules, on a field or. This combination symbolized the union of British and Danish royal lineages, with the escutcheon often surmounted by a crown and encircled by the Garter following her installation as a Lady of the Order of the Garter in 1863. Upon Edward VII's accession to the throne on 22 January 1901, Alexandra's arms as substituted the full royal arms of the —quarterly, first and fourth gules three passant guardant in pale or armed and langued azure (), second or a rampant within a double tressure flory-counterflory gules (), third azure a or stringed argent ()—impaled with the Danish arms. The achievement typically included royal supporters, such as the and , and was used in official representations including seals and standards. Alexandra's , an interlaced of her initial "A" surmounted by a , appeared on personal items, correspondence, and royal properties during her tenure as queen from 1901 to 1910. Her royal standard, a version of her impaled arms, was flown to denote her presence, distinct from the sovereign's standard and adapted for use in with appropriate regional modifications. These heraldic elements underscored her role as consort while preserving her Danish heritage.

Family Lineage

Issue and Descendants

and had six children together, all delivered prematurely, with five surviving infancy. Their offspring included two sons who reached adulthood and three daughters.
NameBirth–DeathSpouseIssue
Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence8 January 1864 – 14 January 1892UnmarriedNone; died of during the pandemic preceding his wedding.
3 June 1865 – 20 January 1936 (m. 1893)Six children, including and ; his line produced (r. 1952–2022) and (r. 2022–present).
, Duchess of Fife20 February 1867 – 4 January 1931Alexander Duff, 1st (m. 1889)Two daughters: Alexandra (Duchess of Fife, d. 1969, no issue) and Maud (Countess of Southesk, d. 1945, descendants in nobility but no reigning royals).
Victoria6 July 1868 – 3 December 1935UnmarriedNone; remained a companion to her mother.
Maud, Queen of 26 November 1869 – 20 November 1938Haakon VII of (m. 1896)One son, (r. 1957–1991); descendants include (r. 1991–present).
Alexander John6 April 1871 – 7 April 1871N/ADied in infancy.
The principal surviving lines from Alexandra's issue trace through George V, securing the House of Windsor's continuity in Britain, and through Maud, establishing the Norwegian branch under the House of Glücksburg. Louise's descendants integrated into the British aristocracy but did not ascend thrones. Albert Victor's early death shifted succession to George, altering the royal trajectory.

Ancestral Background

Princess Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia of was born on 1 December 1844 at the Yellow Palace in as the eldest daughter and second child of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (1818–1906) and Princess (1817–1898). Her father, a younger son of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, ascended the Danish throne as Christian IX in 1863 following the death of King Frederick VII, who left no male heirs, and the subsequent election of Christian as heir in 1852–1853 amid succession disputes over . The , from which her paternal line derived, was a junior branch of the , originating in the 17th century from Duke Philip of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (1584–1663), a grandson of King (1503–1559). Her paternal grandparents were Friedrich Wilhelm, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (1785–1831), and Landgravine Louise Caroline of Hesse-Kassel (1789–1867), who connected the family to the Hessian nobility. On her mother's side, Louise of Hesse-Kassel was the daughter of William, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel (1787–1867), and Princess Louise Charlotte of Denmark (1789–1864), the latter being a granddaughter of King Frederick V of Denmark (1723–1766) through her father, Hereditary Prince Frederick (1753–1805). This maternal Danish lineage provided a direct tie to the Oldenburg kings, reinforcing Christian's claim to the throne despite the Glücksburg branch's prior marginal status within the broader dynasty. Prior to her father's elevation, the family lived modestly; Christian served as a Danish and resided in , reflecting the Glücksburgs' position as a non-sovereign ducal house until the 19th-century Danish propelled them to prominence. Alexandra's ancestry thus embodied the interplay of Oldenburg legitimacy and strategic marital alliances in European royal successions.

References

  1. https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2060
  2. https://www.royal.uk/encyclopedia/victoria-r-1837-1901
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