On 10 March 1888, Britain witnessed a grand occasion of joy and national pride—the Silver Wedding anniversary of the Prince and Princess of Wales. For Albert Edward, the future King Edward VII, and Alexandra of Denmark, this celebration marked 25 years of marriage, and the nation seized the moment to honour their beloved royal couple with an outpouring of affection and public festivity. We take a look at Royal Memorabilia and collectibles created for the celebration.
Their marriage, first solemnised on 10 March 1863 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, had been a highly anticipated event. The young Prince of Wales, heir to Queen Victoria, was popular and charismatic. His bride, Princess Alexandra, was admired for her grace, beauty, and charm. Over the ensuing quarter-century, the pair would become the centre of British public life, raising a family of six children and acting as the face of the monarchy during Queen Victoria’s extended period of mourning for Prince Albert.
By 1888, the Prince and Princess had earned deep affection across all levels of society. Their Silver Wedding was therefore not merely a private affair—it became a national celebration, symbolising both continuity and the public’s esteem for the royal family. Preparations for the anniversary began weeks in advance. London was adorned with bunting, floral displays, and illuminated decorations. The streets around Marlborough House, the couple’s London residence, bustled with well-wishers eager to catch a glimpse of the royal pair. Across Britain, towns and villages held their own celebrations—church bells rang out, schoolchildren sang patriotic songs, and loyal addresses were sent from civic bodies across the empire.
On the day itself, the Prince and Princess attended a special service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The event drew enormous crowds. The royal procession was greeted along the entire route by cheering spectators, who lined the streets in festive spirit. At St Paul’s, the service reflected both the solemnity and joy of the occasion, with hymns, prayers, and the presence of the leading figures of government, the church, and the aristocracy.
In the afternoon, Marlborough House became the scene of more intimate festivities. Members of the royal family, foreign dignitaries, and close friends gathered to offer congratulations and gifts. The Prince of Wales, ever the genial host, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by the public. Princess Alexandra, always a figure of modest dignity, accepted the nation’s tributes with characteristic grace.
Among the many gifts presented were items of great craftsmanship: silver candelabra, jewelled ornaments, and elaborately engraved commemorative pieces. One particularly notable gift came from the women of Britain—a large silver model of an oak tree, symbolising strength and endurance, accompanied by an address signed by thousands of women from across the country.
Newspapers of the day captured the festive mood with glowing reports. The Illustrated London News dedicated an entire issue to the event, filled with engravings of the celebrations and portraits of the royal family. Editorials spoke of national unity and the stability of the monarchy—a reassurance in an era marked by social change and political uncertainty.
The Silver Wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales thus became more than an anniversary—it served as a focal point of national identity, reaffirming the close bond between the royal family and the British people. The event left an indelible mark on public memory, celebrated as a model of enduring partnership both within the monarchy and across the broader empire.
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