Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
In 1863 Queen Victoria began looking for eligible bachelors for her fifth child, Princess Helena. While the Princess was a keen nurse and artist, Helena was mostly known for her tomboyish nature. On top of this, Helena was the middle child of the sovereign, who was considered “plump”, “dowdy” and “without charm” by her own… Continue reading Unexpected love: Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980056.aa Thus Valentine’s Day we’re looking at a pencil and watercolour sketch by Queen Victoria, which shows her eldest child, Princess Victoria, kneeling at the altar of the Chapel Royal at Sf James’s Palace. Vicky, as the princess was known, married Prince Friedrich of… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 35
© Historic Royal Palaces This ‘Royal Fashion Friday’ we’re looking at this stunning dress that was once worn by Queen Victoria. Made in 1843, this silk satin dress is an unusual survival from Queen Victoria’s wardrobe as it doesn’t have any recognised links to a specific day or event in the Queen’s life. This dress… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s silk dress
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980024.ag Sketch by Queen Victoria finger eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, dated 15th October 1843. While this sketch isn’t mentioned in Queen Victoria’s journal, we do know that it was completed in a poignant anniversary in the Queen’s life as it marked four years… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 35
On 10th February 1840 Queen Victoria made fashion history when she married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London. Like all weddings, there was much speculation over what the bride would be wearing. As the Head of State, it was suggested that Queen… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s wedding dress
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980043.dy This Sketchbook Saturday we’re looking at this stunning watercolour by Queen Victoria, titled ‘The Bush’. The scene of the highland landscape was completed at midday on 25th October 1879 during the Queen’s annual stay at Balmoral. Don’t forget to subscribe to my website… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 34
Following the conclusion of the Crimean war in March 1856 many military reviews welcoming back brave soldiers were held. As Commander-in-chief of the Military it was Queen Victoria’s duty to attend. However, Victoria was female so didn’t own a military uniform and attending such poignant reviews in her usual green riding habits was off the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s military uniform
On 29th January 1856 Queen Victoria issued a Royal Warrant introducing the most prestigious award, the Victoria Cross. Designed and made by London jewellers, Hancocks & Co., the 1.4 inch medals were designed to celebrate the acts of extreme bravery during the Crimean War. The idea of a new gallantry award was first put forward… Continue reading ‘The new & honourable order of valour’: The history of the Victoria Cross
Many of my regular readers will be aware of my fascination towards Queen Victoria’s youngest child, Princess Beatrice. While I’ve spent much time learning about and discussing Beatrice at her Isle of Wight home, Carisbrooke Castle, I have long been eager to read Matthew Dennison’s much credited biography about her extraordinary life, and I’m pleased… Continue reading Book Review: ‘The Last Princess: The Devoted Life of Queen Victoria’s Youngest Daughter’ by Matthew Dennison
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980024.dy Dated 1856, this ink and watercolour sketch by Queen Victoria shows two of the Queen’s daughters, Princesses Louise (left) and Helena (right). Born just two years apart (1846 and 1848 respectively), the two sisters spent most of their childhood in each other’s company.… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 33
Queen Victoria famously only wore black following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, in December 1861. As a result of Victoria spending half of her life in mourning we are fortunate to have many surviving garments from her time of sorrow, including this dress from 1898. © Historic Royal Palaces Made by Martha… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s mourning dress, 1898
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980043.bj While staying at Balmoral in Scotland, Queen Victoria often enjoyed exploring the many idyllic highland landscapes. On 3rd November 1875, Victoria went on a drive to Felagie Aberarder near Braemar, where she attempted to make this scenic sketch of some local cottages. Don’t… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 32