Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos

Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos, by Sir Edwin Landseer, Royal Collection Trust.

From her birth until that of her younger brother's, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in November 1841, Victoria, Princess Royal was the heiress presumptive to the British throne. Of her birth, Lord Clarendon told Lord Granville that despite The Queen and Prince Albert’s disappointment  “at not having a son,” “what the country cares about is to have a life more, whether male or female, interposed between the succession and the King of Hanover.”

In this portrait by Edwin Landseer, the eight-month old Princess is seen wearing a white dress with pink satin ribbon and a pendant around her neck, described (10 February, 1841) by Queen Victoria in her diary as a "miniature beautifully set in a small wreath of diamonds, with a row of pearls attached to it." The jewelry was a christening gift from the babe's, grandmother the Duchess of Kent.

Joining the Princess in this painting is Eos, Prince Albert’s favourite pet. The greyhound was said to be friendly with children. Queen Victoria wrote: "it was quite pretty to see her [Pussy] playing with 'Eos,' who is so gentle & the child so delighted with her, patting her with both her hands." (Journal, 21 June, 1841).

This picture was painted between June and July 1841. According to Queen Victoria, in a letter to her aunt the Queen of the Belgians, Pussy has behaved well and Prince Albert was "quite delighted" with the picture (Journal, 26 August 1841). It was hung in his Writing Room at Buckingham Palace.

portrait: Royal Collection Trust

You can learn more about the life of Victoria, Princess Royal in the book Vicky, Dear: The Life of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Empress Frederick (Royal Splendour, 2023). This insightful short biography unveils the complexities of Victoria's relationships, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her enduring impact on European history. The author paints a captivating portrait of a woman who defied convention, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the world. From the opulent halls of royalty to the corridors of power, embark on an epic journey as you discover the captivating story of Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick, and experience a remarkable era through her eyes. Available in Amazon and Kindle. Click here to order your copy. 

More stories about the Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick here:

• The birth and childhood of Victoria, the Empress Frederick
• Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos 
• Vicky gives birth: "One of the worst recorded in obstetrical history" 
• The wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, and the future Emperor Frederick III
• Vicky travels to Berlin
• Victoria and Frederick: A royal love story