Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
If you’ve been following my research for a while then you will have probably noticed that I often work closely with Carisbrooke Castle Museum on the Isle of Wight. The museum was first opened in 1898 by Queen Victoria’s youngest child, Princess Beatrice, as a memorial to her husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg. The princess’s… Continue reading Preserving their legacy: How you can help protect Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg for future generations
Like anyone moving to a new area, after purchasing Osborne House on the Isle of Wight in 1845 Queen Victoria found herself wanting to get involved with local hobbies. In 1833 Victoria, who at that time was known as Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent, had visited the island with her widowed mother, the Duchess of… Continue reading Prince Albert lays the foundation stone for The Royal Victoria Yacht Clubhouse in Ryde, Isle of Wight
Having grown up attending Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria’s children and grandchildren had a great appreciation for the art of sailing. In fact, in later years the Cowes Regatta appears to have become somewhat of a uniting event in the royal calendar, with members of Victoria’s family travelling from all around… Continue reading A Royal Rivalry: King Edward VII and Kaiser Wilhelm II at Cowes Week
When looking at old pictures of royalty there is one thing that catches everyone’s eye… the jewels that glisten under the candlelight and certify their position of importance and wealth. However, when we dig a little deeper we can discover the smaller, less dazzling pieces perhaps hold some of the greatest significance. One piece that… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s engagement ring
Last month (16th June 2026) a rare bodice worn by Queen Victoria went up for auction in London. Dating from the 1890s, the garment is a classic example of the clothing worn by Queen Victoria in her later years. The bodice itself is made out of black silk, with layers of black matte crepe and… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s bodice goes up for auction
Upon the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria instantly flung herself into a deep state of mourning, beginning her forty year stint of only wearing black. Prior to Albert’s death, Queen Victoria had always taken a keen interest in fashion. Whilst wearing black limited her choice in decorative fabrics, Victoria made sure that… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s early mourning bodice
As someone that loves history, I can happily say that nothing tells the story of the past better than memoirs and diaries. On 24th May (2026) I had the pleasure of visiting Charlecote Park in Warwickshire. While I was there, I kept coming across the name of a lady called Mary Elizabeth Lucy, whose personality… Continue reading Book Review: ‘Mistress of Charlecote: The memoirs of Mary Elizabeth Lucy 1803-1889’
The beloved husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert was perhaps one of the most distinguished gentlemen in Victorian Britain. Like many men of his time, Albert took a keen interest in perfecting his character and appearance to best match his position in society and, of course, fashion was the best way to do this. ©… Continue reading Prince Albert’s waistcoat
After this week’s excitement with the British Museum releasing tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry it’s left me wondering if Queen Victoria ever saw the famous artefact. Throughout her reign Queen Victoria visited France around eleven times but never saw the ‘celebrated Bayeux Tapestry’. However, in May 1896 the elderly monarch was wheeled into St George’s… Continue reading Queen Victoria and the Bayeux Tapestry
Described by Queen Victoria as ‘the dearest happiest day of my life’, Tuesday 10th February 1846 marked the sixth anniversary of her marriage to Prince Albert. In her journal she wrote ‘I can never be Thankful enough for the great blessing of my dearest Albert's wonderful love. Words cannot express all I owe to him,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s 1846 wedding anniversary gifts and outfit
At 11:30 in the morning of 13th June 1842, Queen Victoria left Windsor and headed to Slough Station, where she was to embark on her very first train ride and became the first monarch to travel by railroad. Like many Victorians, Queen Victoria was scared that the trains speed would cause damage to her brain… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s first train ride, 13th June 1842
This Royal Fashion Friday I want to talk about one of the most extravagant outfits worn by Queen Victoria… her Georgian ball gown. Taking place at Buckingham Palace on 6th June 1845, the Georgian Ball was perhaps the most lavish event to take place during Victoria’s reign. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Georgian Ball Costume