Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Recently I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of History Press’s new book, The Aristocrat and The Able Seaman: The Countess of Rothes, Thomas Jones, and the tragedy of Titanic by Angela Young. Whilst everyone knows about my passion for researching Victorian royals, another of my historical interests is the sinking of… Continue reading Book Review: ‘The Aristocrat and The Able Seaman: The Countess of Rothes, Thomas Jones, and the tragedy of Titanic’ by Angela Young
On 27th March 1883 Queen Victoria’s Highland servant (and potential lover), John Brown, passed away at Windsor Castle. According to the Queen’s journals, Brown had fallen ill erysipelas on 25th March, however, he had been suffering for some time beforehand but still remained by her side. The following day his face had become swollen, leading… Continue reading ‘It brought home painfully to me, the break with the past’: The death of Queen Victoria’s highland servant, John Brown
Known as setting of Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861, Windsor Castle was once again the backdrop of Queen Victoria’s misery just twenty-two years later. Queen Victoria and John Brown at Osborne by Sir Edwin Landseer, 1865-1867 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 403580 On 14th March 1883 Queen Victoria… Continue reading Queen Victoria falls down the stairs at Windsor Castle, days before the death of John Brown
Today is World Book Day and as many children celebrate characters of the modern world, I feel it is only right that we celebrate a lost character from the past… Alice Laselles. The staring character of ‘The Adventures of Alice Laselles’, Alice was created in the mind of Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent, later Queen… Continue reading An Author Queen: Queen Victoria’s love for Storytelling
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
Recently we saw the release of Fern Riddell’s newest book Victoria’s Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen, which reveals new evidence surrounding Queen Victoria’s relationship with her highland servant, John Brown. I have to begin by saying that Fern has done an exceptional job of portraying Victoria as both a queen and as an… Continue reading Book Review: ‘Victoria’s Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen’ by Fern Riddell
Queen Victoria with Princess Victoria and Prince Albert Edward by Sir Edwin Landseer, dated 1842 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 403120 On 25th December 1842, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal that she and Albert had attempted to go for a walk with members of their household ‘but were… Continue reading International Cat Day: Princess Victoria’s pet
This week, 2nd-9th August 2025, we celebrate Cowes Week, a historic sailing event on the Isle of Wight. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore the history of Cowes Week and its connection to Queen Victoria and the Royal family. Cowes Week 2025 © Queen.Victoria.Roses Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Club in West Cowes… Continue reading “The white sails of the yachts had such a charming effect” : Queen Victoria and Cowes Week
On 15th July 1898, Queen Victoria presented the State Colour to the Scots Guards in Windsor Great Park. Like most mornings spent at Windsor, Victoria began that “very fine hot day” by having breakfast at Frogmore before visiting the mausoleum, and later attending a family luncheon. In the early afternoon, the elderly monarch went to… Continue reading “A very pretty sight”: Queen Victoria presents the State Colour to the Scots Guards, 15th July 1899
At 11am on 21st May 1894, Queen Victoria left Windsor Castle, with members of her family and household, and headed en route to her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle. Along the way, the royal entourage stopped at Manchester so that Victoria could open its iconic Ship Canal. As the royal train arrived at the station at… Continue reading “I never saw anything like it”: Queen Victoria opens Manchester’s Ship Canal
Recognised as one of the greatest icons of the nineteenth century, Florence Nightingale was a leading voice in establishing modern nursing. Through her selfless work, Miss Nightingale found herself acquainted with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were great admirers of her efforts to improve the conditions of injured and sick men during the Crimean… Continue reading Influencing the royals: Florence Nightingale and the Royal Family
On 11th May 1900, Queen Victoria hosted her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace. In her journal she wrote: Queen Victoria's last Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, dated 1900 by Max Cowper. RCIN 923457 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust “A fine day. — Arthur, Louischen, & their girls breakfasted with us.… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Queen Victoria hosts her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace, 11th May 1900