Princess Helena of the United Kingdom

Princess Helena of the United Kingdom was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She was born at Buckingham Palace and was a younger sister of Victoria, Princess Royal, King Edward VII, Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, and Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Princess Helena was also an older sister of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. She was a granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and a great-granddaughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte.

Early Life

Princess Helena was educated at home, with a focus on music, art, and languages, under the supervision of her parents and governesses, including Baroness Lehzen. She was particularly close to her sister Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, and the two often spent time together at Osborne House and Balmoral Castle. Princess Helena was also a frequent visitor to the Royal Opera House and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where she would watch performances by famous actors and actresses, including William Charles Macready and Helen Faucit. As a young woman, Princess Helena was a talented artist and musician, and she often performed at private concerts and recitals at Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace.

Marriage and Children

In 1866, Princess Helena married Prince Christian of Schaumburg-Lippe at the Private Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple had five children: Princess Helena Victoria of Schaumburg-Lippe, Princess Marie Louise of Schaumburg-Lippe, Prince Hubertus of Schaumburg-Lippe, Prince Christopher of Schaumburg-Lippe, and a stillborn son. Princess Helena's marriage was a happy one, and she was known for her strong sense of duty and her devotion to her family. She was a frequent visitor to the German Empire, where she would often stay with her relatives, including King William I of Prussia and Emperor Frederick III. Princess Helena was also a close friend of Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia and Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia.

Public Life and Charity

Princess Helena was a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of various charitable causes, including the British Red Cross Society and the St. John Ambulance. She was also a patron of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Arts, and she often attended concerts and exhibitions at the Royal Albert Hall and the National Gallery. Princess Helena was a strong supporter of women's education and healthcare, and she worked closely with organizations such as the National Health Society and the Women's Local Government Society. She was also a frequent visitor to hospitals and nursing homes, including St. Thomas' Hospital and the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where she would often meet with patients and staff.

Later Life and Death

In her later years, Princess Helena continued to carry out her royal duties, despite her advancing age and poor health. She was a frequent attendee at state occasions, including the Coronation of King Edward VII and the Coronation of King George V. Princess Helena was also a close friend of Queen Mary and King Haakon VII of Norway, and she often stayed with them at Sandringham House and Oslo Palace. She died on June 9, 1923, at Schomberg House, and was buried at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Princess Helena's legacy as a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of the arts continues to be celebrated today, and she remains an important figure in the history of the British monarchy. Category:British princesses