Annie MacDonald facts for kids

Annie MacDonald (born Mitchell, 1832–1897) was an important person in the British royal court. She worked for Queen Victoria as her personal assistant, known as a Dresser, from 1862 until 1897. She was a close and trusted friend of the Queen.

Annie MacDonald's Life

Annie MacDonald was born in Scotland, close to Balmoral Castle. In 1863, she married John McDonald, who was a butler. He passed away in 1865.

Before working directly for the Queen, Annie was a washerwoman for Prince Albert. Queen Victoria hired her in 1862. Annie became the Principal Dresser. This meant she was the main person in charge of the Queen's personal staff. She oversaw other dressers and wardrobe maids.

Her Important Role

Annie had many important duties. She managed the Queen's personal staff. She also handled dealings with shopkeepers and artists. This included placing orders and making payments. She even answered letters from people asking for help.

Annie MacDonald became a very close friend to Queen Victoria. When the Queen's previous trusted friend, Marianne Skerrett, retired in 1862, Annie took her place. This gave Annie a special and important position in the royal household.

Queen Victoria often felt closer to her personal staff, like Annie, than to her official ladies-in-waiting. Annie's role was more personal and trusted. It is said that when Queen Victoria was dying, she hoped to be reunited with Annie MacDonald and John Brown, another close servant.

Royal Recognition

In 1887, Annie MacDonald received a special award. It was the Queen Victoria Version of the Royal Household Long and Faithful Service Medal. She earned this medal for serving the British Royal Family for 25 years.

Annie MacDonald's Legacy

Annie MacDonald is remembered because she is often mentioned in Queen Victoria's own writings. You can find her name in Queen Victoria's journals and her Queen Victoria's Highland Journals. These writings help us understand her important connection with the Queen.