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A ROYAL WEDDING
Princess Helena married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein in the Private Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Thursday, 5 July 1866.
A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT
After the marriage of her older sister, Alice, Helena assumed the role of her mother’s secretary, helping her with correspondence and providing companionship. During this time, the princess became close to Carl Ruland, her father’s former librarian, who was teaching German to the Prince of Wales. When the Queen discovered her daughter had developed feelings for the tutor, he was promptly dismissed and a husband was sought for Helena.
The Queen settled on Christian of Schleswig-Holstein who was fifteen years older than the princess but the choice caused controversy in the family. Helena found she liked Christian and she was determined to marry him much to her mother’s delight. As a younger son, Christian had no commitments to keep him in Germany so he was free to settle in Britain.
THE WEDDING
The wedding took place in the private chapel at Windsor Castle on 5 July 1866 and it had to be modified to accommodate the number of expected guests. The central pews were removed so chairs could be placed on either side, as well as a temporary gallery for guests, while a Wilton carpet was placed down the central aisle.
Helena was escorted up the aisle by her mother, who had relaxed her mourning enough to wear a diamond coronet, and her eldest brother, The Prince of Wales.
WEDDING DRESS
Helena wore a white satin dress with deep flounces of Honiton guipure lace trimmed with bouquets of orange blossom and myrtle. The lace was a floral design depicting roses, ivy and myrtle. The train featured the same design and had bouquets of orange blossom and myrtle attached. The matching square veil was held in place by a wreath of orange blossom and myrtle.
The princess wore a necklace, earrings and brooch of opal and diamonds which were gifts from the Queen. She also wore bracelets with miniatures and the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert.
THE BRIDESMAIDS
The bridesmaids wore white glacé dresses covered in tulle and trimmed with forget-me-nots, pink roses and white heather, with matching wreaths and veils.
THE HONEYMOON
After the wedding breakfast, Helena and Christian departed for Osborne House where they stayed for ten days before departing on a tour of Paris, Interlaken and Genoa.
The couple would remain devoted to each other and enjoyed a quieter life in Windsor Great Park.