[ Leonardo Forti wrote in 140209 MMDigest:

> Does someone know why the Steinway Pedal-Electric Duo-Art [PEDA]
> grand piano is called "Beatrice"?

The Steinway Duo-Art grand at The Musical Museum, Brentford, England,
is affectionately known as 'Beatrice' because it was originally the
property of Princess Beatrice, youngest daughter of Queen Victoria,
and great-grandmother of King Juan Carlos, current King of Spain.

Princess Beatrice herself was a competent pianist but suffered from
arthritis in her hands, which may have influenced the selection of
a player piano.  The piano remained in royal households after
Beatrice's death in 1944 until it was acquired by the Musical Museum
from Kensington Palace.  It is a Model OR Steinway and the Museum has
a second similar piano in its collection, although not with such
illustrious provenance.

'Beatrice' is on display in the Museum, but is not at present in
playing order.

Phil Fortey
London