THE CHILD LIFE OF QUEEN VICTORIA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue VIII, 14 August 1897, Page 355

THE CHILD LIFE OF QUEEN VICTORIA.

For the first four years of Victoria’s life all the expenses of the Princess’ establishment and education were paid for by Prince Leopold. He took a father’s interest in his niece, and devoted himself to her, but after a while another uncle who had now become King George IV. began to think that the child’s own country might well contribute to her maintenance. Accordingly Parliament was asked to grant an allowance for her support and education. The proposition was readily granted and the sum of annually was settled on the Duchess. The Duke of York was also very fond of his little niece. He bore a strong resemblance to his brother, the Duke of Kent, and he always took great interest in her growth and education. When she was five years old (continues Harper'» Round Table) the Rev. George Davys was appointed preceptor to her Royal Highness. He found his pupil * well grounded in all the requirements suited to her age ; quick, intelligent, and generally very docile, though not, at this early age, much given to application ’ —a fact one can readily believe. Who would expect an active, high-spirited child five years old to be ‘ much given to application ?’ The Duchess of Kent’s mother wrote to her daughter, when the Princess was four years old, ‘ Do not tease your little puss with learning, she is so young still,’ but this good advice seems to have been disregarded, for they commenced to give the child regular instruction when she was a mere infant. Small wonder that she objected, and asked in baby language, ‘ What good this ? What good that ?’