Princess Helena (Princess Helena, Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein): Born in May 1846, Princess Helena, was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Princess Helena was one of the most active members of the royal family, being the patron of many charities and carrying out a huge number of royal engagements, with specific interests in hand embroidery and nursing. She became the first President of the School of Art Needlework after Lady Victoria Welby and Lady Marion Alford set it up, staying for 51 years.
The letters held in the RSN archive demonstrate an active correspondence with Miss Ffennel, the Secretary over many years. Letters cover the arrangements for meetings and sales of work, as well as commissions, such as that for the wedding train of her daughter Marie Louise. They show an active engagement in fundraising, and in promoting the work of the School. It was she who said the RSAN would embroider Queen Victoria’s funeral pall, even when all commercial companies had turned it down, and it was she who persuaded her brother, Edwards VII to allow the RSAN to embroider the insignia on his coronation mantle.
Princess Helena died in 1923, the RSN commissioned a memorial tablet that remains in its possession.
Sources:
The RSN and Princess Helena - Royal School of Needleworkhttps://royal-needlework.org.uk/rsn-and-princess-helena/accessed 4.3.25
Kay Williams, S. (2024) An Unbroken Thread: Celebrating 150 Years of the Royal School of needlework ACC Art Books
Purple stamp Envelope with crown on flap
Cancellation:
WINDSOR
E[?]
FE 14
91 [14 February 1891]
Addressed: E
Miss Ffennell
Royal School of A. [Art] Needlework
Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London S.W [London SW]
A handwritten letter on Princess Helena’s monogrammed writing paper:
Cumberland Lodge
Feb. 14, 1891 [14 February 1891]
Dear Miss Ffennell
I return the patterns - & have chosen the beautiful brocade the piece [price?] of [which?] you sent. 3 widths each 4 yards long will be required for the train. I will come to the school early next week & speak with Miss Wade & Miss Barber about the design for the embroidery.
Believe me Very truly
Helena
I shall be glad to hear that you have
safely recd [received] the brocade.
