which was a result of a 20 foot fall out of a window
whaaat?? was that the nanny's fault?
Okay so this ask is referring to my post about Prince Friedrich “Frittie” of Hesse and By Rhine’s death by falling 20 feet out of a window and having a cerebral hemorrhage because of that fall.
The story is that when Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse (later Grand Duke), his younger brother Frittie, and their mother Princess Alice of Hesse (née United Kingdom) were playing in their mother’s room and Ernie ran into another room and looked out of the window to Frittie. The rooms were at an angle where both people could see each other when looking out of the windows. Alice went into the room that Ernie was in to bring him back into the bedroom to keep playing. Frittie wanted to join Ernie so he climbed onto a chair but it tipped over sending him falling from the 20 foot high window
Frittie’s death was so tragic and shocking and broke many of his family members hearts. His mother was so distraught that she often prayed at his grave.
On coming home, found a telegram from Fräulein Bauer saying: “Pce Fritz has fallen out of the window, no wounds, but he is unconscious, & the Princess is in the greatest anxiety.” Dreadfully shocked & alarmed. Telegraphed at once to dear Alice & Fräulein Bauer, asking to hear again, & when we were at luncheon I telegraphed to Fanny Baillie for details, as to how the accident happened. Alas! before this was sent off I got a telegram from Pss Charles of Hesse saying “Poor Fritz just expired.” That was after 1. Too, too dreadful, my poor darling Alice! This was such a pretty sweet boy on whom poor dear Alice doted. His health had often caused his parents great anxiety.
— Queen Victoria’s diary entry on May 29th 1873
“When I die, you must die too, and all the others. Why can’t we all die together? I don’t want to die alone, like Frittie”
— A five-year old Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse (later Grand Duke), 1873
“It was just four weeks yesterday since our darling died, and we went to the Mausoleum. I felt the whole weight of my sorrow, and the terrible shock doubly again. But the precious child does not — that is a comfort. He is happy and at rest, whilst we grieve and mourn. Ernie always prays for Frittie, and talks to me of him when we walk together.”
— Princess Alice to Queen Victoria, 27th June 1873
(Photo: Alice and her children mourning Frittie, 1873)
Alice was a very hands on mother and she wanted to bring up her children in a loving environment and very much wanted to be an active mother in her children’s lives. To answer your question, the Nanny was probably tending to another child at this time (probably Princess Alix who was only 1 year old).
I hope this very thought out answer helps and as always, thank you for asking!
