In 1892, the 8th Duke of Devonshire married the widowed Duchess of Manchester, Louise von Alten (1832-1911), whom he had known for many years. The 'Double Duchess' was a famous hostess and Devonshire House as well as Chatsworth became the focus of entertainment on a scale that had not been seen since the 6th Duke's time.
The Devonshire House Ball was one of the most splendid celebrations of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Those invited to the Diamond Jubilee Ball came in full fancy dress. The Duchess was magnificent as the Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, with a dress to match.
The Duke was, rather unexpectedly, Emperor Charles V, and his young cousin and eventual successor Victor Cavendish was also in 16th-century dress as one of Holbein's 'Ambassadors'.
For more information on the dress worn by the Duchess visit our Textiles page.
