An engrossing, revealing and politically worthwhile biography of Beatrice, the youngest of her children, destined by the Queen to be her helpmeet during her declining years. Victoria demanded complete submission while depending absolutely on her. Not intended for marriage, Beatrice met her fate in Prince Henry of Battenberg but they lived in the palace completely subservient to her mother. (If she had complied with the Queen's intentions, Victoria's haemophilic gene would not have passed to the royal house of Spain.)
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 68 Spring 2013 ) |
