Portrait of Queen Alexandra

Queen Alexandra

Princess Alexandra Caroline was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1844. At the age of 19, in 1863, she married Edward VII, Prince of Wales. She became widely popular through her charm and dedication, and she devoted considerable effort to assisting disadvantaged communities.

Pietermaritzburg Landmarks

Several Pietermaritzburg landmarks bear Queen Alexandra's name, reflecting the city's historical ties to the British monarchy: Alexandra Road, Alexandra Swimming Bath, Alexandra Police Station, and Alexandra Park.

The Portrait

The life-sized portrait is an unsigned reproduction of the original by Sir Samuel Luke Fildes (1843–1927), painted in 1905. It previously hung in Kings House, Durban, the residence of the governors.

After the establishment of the Republic in 1961, the portrait was moved to the Natal Museum on Loop Street in 1983. That same year, it was transferred to Alexandra High School, while King Edward High School received the companion portrait of Edward VII.