A watercolour showing a scene from the sinking of the Blanche Nef or White Ship. A male figure, probably William Adelin, is shown in a lifeboat to the lower left. He is shown full-length, standing with his hands clasped together and looking up towards his half-sister Matilda who is still on board the ship. Drowning men are shown trying to climb into the small boat which is soon to capsize. Inscribed lower left: LCA 1866

Queen Victoria's children often made cards and drawings for their parents as gifts on important dates, such as this watercolour by Princess Louise which was given to the Queen for Christmas 1867. The White Ship ran aground before sinking while on a voyage from Normandy to England in 1120. Henry I's son & heir, William Adelin, drowned in the accident after returning to the wreckage to save his half-sister Matilda FitzRoy, Countess of Perche.

This drawing is housed in one of two volumes, compiled by Queen Victoria and containing works presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by their nine children. For other items in the volume see Princes & Princesses album.