Etiquette, Education and Royal Babies

“King Edward is, of course, related to all the Princely babies of Europe, for his near relatives are either ruling or will one day rule the continent. No doubt he is consulted often by parents who wish to obtain the guidance of the most influential man of his time...”  –Margaretta Eagar with the Russian grand Duchesses Tatiana, Anastasia, Olga and Maria, circa 1902. For more than half a decade, the Romanovs’ inner circle included a humble-born Irishwoman, Margaretta Eagar. One of 11 children, was born into a family in Limerick city in 1863. In 1898, after training as a nurse in Belfast, she was recommended for the job of nanny to the Romanov children. – From the Irish Times.com

THE Kaiser's eldest son is still pursuing his education, although he himself has an heir, who is now a fine boy of three years, says Answers. Prince William is being initiated into the mysteries of government, and he is taking his place in the great departments of state, having started in the capacity of an ordinary clerk, so that he might see how the actual work is done. He will, no doubt, apply many of his father's principles when training his own son. Despite internal troubles, the Royal family of Russia never doubts. that it will continue to hold the throne against all comers. The heir to the Crown is not six yet, but his education has begun, and he is already the Colonel of a regiment. The lady who acted as governess to his sisters has described how even the toys with which the Prince plays were selected for educational purposes. They like to knock military glory and Royal pomp into the heads of these infants, so that the very first idea a Prince gets, is his absolute right to rule. The Czarevitch has a large idea of his own importance.

In the years to come, the baby who is now heir to the throne of Spain may have cause to congratulate himself on the fact that his mother was an English Princess. The Queen has done much to rid the Royal nursery of the stupid etiquette which ruled the Palace in the old days, and his education will be conducted on up-to-date lines. The time is certainly coming when Kings will have to depend upon their personalities for their power, and not on their armies. King Edward is, of course, related to all the Princely babies of Europe, for his near relatives are either ruling or will one day rule the continent. No doubt he is consulted often by parents who wish to obtain the guidance of the most influential man of his time. 

Prince Olaf of Norway is his grandson, and the baby who will be King of Sweden in the years to come, is the son of his niece. Norway and Sweden, once united, and now divided, will eventually be governed by very near relatives of King Edward VII. Prince Olaf appears to be having a jolly time of it, but he will have to study earnestly soon, although the comparative smallness of his Kingdom will make his educational course less arduous. The elder son of Princess Margaret of Connaught is at present the second direct heir to the throne, and, as his grandfather, the reigning Monarch, is in the prime of life, it must be many years before he is called upon to wear the crown. All the same, the Prince will be carefully prepared and is likely to give a good account of himself in national affairs. – Los Angeles Herald, 1909

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia