The Heir Apparent (94 page)

The royal family at Osborne, 1857. From left: Affie, Albert, Helena, Arthur, Alice, Victoria with baby Beatrice on her lap, Vicky, Leopold, Bertie.

Bertie at Oxford, 1859 (center). In solitary confinement with his keepers: his tutor Herbert Fisher (left), and his governor, General Bruce (right).

Bertie and Alix on their wedding day, 10 March 1863. Queen Victoria insisted on inviting the entire household to the ceremony in St. George’s Chapel. Bertie was allowed only four friends.

The young Prince and Princess of Wales with baby Eddy.

Queen Victoria in mourning. Staring—glaring—straight into the camera.

Bertie’s entry in the measure book of tailor Henry Poole. When he was first measured at Oxford in 1860, his chest was 33¾ inches; his waist 29¼. In 1905 his chest was 47 inches; his waist 46½. Alix’s minuscule measurements (waist 21 inches, bust 31½ inches) are on the bottom line. Scrawled across the entry in pencil is: “Dead 6/5/10.”

Bertie’s brother Affie, Duke of Edinburgh, wearing the dress uniform of a naval officer.

Louise, Bertie’s artistic sister.

Alice, Bertie’s favorite sister, with her husband, Louis, Grand Duke of Hesse.

House party, 1860s. Lady-in-waiting Lady Macclesfield, the “precise little stick” who delivered Eddy, looks up at Alix. Oliver Montagu, equerry and “wicked boy,” lies on the grass at Alix’s feet. Bertie stands behind holding his hat.

Goodwood party, 1860s. Bertie poses in a white suit (left). Alix, fourth left, appears to ignore him.

Alix, with her hair down, convalescing from her illness with a seedy-looking Bertie at her side, 1867. Georgie and Eddy in frocks.