Female influences
Although Princess Victoria welcomed her uncle's advice, as she grew older her mother's smothering concern and criticisms became increasingly irritating to the sensitive girl. Nearly forgotten today, Feodora (the second child of her mother's first marriage to the Prince of Leiningen) was well-loved by Victoria, and the two sisters maintained a lively correspondence throughout their lives. The emotional 15-year-old Victoria grieved deeply when Feodora and her young family departed England after one of her infrequent visits: 'I clasped her in my arms and kissed her and cried as if my heart would break; so did she, DEAREST Sister.'
Louise Lehzen remained Victoria's confidante throughout the entire youth of the princess, and into her first years as Queen. This strong bond would ultimately cause problems within Victoria's relationship with her mother, and with Prince Albert, but in the early years, Lehzen was nearly perfect in Victoria's eyes. During a serious illness in 1835, the Duchess of Kent and Sir John Conroy attempted, among other schemes, to convince Victoria that she would not be fit to rule until she was aged 21 (although legally she would gain her majority at 18). Lehzen fortunately was on hand to nurse Victoria, and supported her refusals of her mother's designs. Although the Duchess of Kent is never accused within her journal, Victoria gushes that 'My dearest best Lehzen has been & still is (for I require a great deal of care still) MOST UNCEASING & INDEFATIGABLE in her great care of me.'
Published: 2001-04-01
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