A Victorian Christmas at Windsor Castle
Victoria and Albert spent 20 happy Christmases together at Windsor Castle
WILLIAM ESSEX (1784-1869)
Bracelet with miniatures of Victoria, Princess Royal, Albert Edward , Prince of Wales, Princess Alice, Prince Alfred, Princess Helena and Princess Louise
c.1845-50RCIN 4797
Prince Albert designed this bracelet for his wife, presenting her with each link as their nine children turned four years old. The fourth link depicts Prince Alfred, known as Affie. After the births of six children, the bracelet was long enough to wear. The couple would have three further children, whose three miniatures form a separate section from the main bracelet, which could be interchanged with the original pieces.
…a lovely enamel of Affie in my bracelet…
From Prince Albert to Queen Victoria, Christmas 1848
