Have you heard of Primrose Day? Beginning in 1882, Primrose Day was a national day, which commemorated the passing of Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. It is said that primroses had been the Prime Minister’s favourite flower, with Queen Victoria regularly sending him bunches from her gardens at Osborne and Windsor. When… Continue reading Primrose Day: Queen Victoria’s gift to a friend
Category: Buckingham Palace
Queen Victoria’s final arrival in Ireland, 4th April 1900
Despite sitting on the British throne for over 63 years, Queen Victoria only visited Ireland four times throughout her life. Having visited in 1849, 1853 and 1861, Victorias final visit in April 1900 is perhaps the most poignant as it took place less than a year before the iconic monarch passed away. Throughout her long… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s final arrival in Ireland, 4th April 1900
A “most touching & elevating” thanksgiving service to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales
In November 1871 Queen Victoria received the terrifying news that her eldest son and heir, Prince Albert Edward, had fallen ill with typhoid, the dreaded disease that had taken her husband’s death precisely ten years earlier. It’s believed that the prince and several other guests contracted the illness after becoming exposed to harmful bacteria while… Continue reading A “most touching & elevating” thanksgiving service to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales
Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 23rd November 1887
On 23rd November 1887, Princess Victoria Eugénie, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was christened at Balmoral Castle. “[…] The ceremony was at 1, & was performed by Dr Lees. We sat on either side of the font, I, with those who represented the sponsors, viz: the Dss of Roxburghe for Vicky,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 23rd November 1887
A royal hobby: Victoria, Albert and winter sports
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert famously loved the great outdoors, particularly during their warm summer trips to the Isle of Wight; but did you know that they were also fond of winter sports, including ice skating and hockey? Despite receiving skating lessons from Erin tutor, Mr Talbot, Queen Victoria much preferred being pushed around the… Continue reading A royal hobby: Victoria, Albert and winter sports
Queen Victoria, clairvoyants and her Scottish servant, John Brown
The Victorians were famously obsessed with spirituality but did you know that even Queen Victoria was partial to attending seances? Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore Queen Victorias experience with the spiritual world and how it’s connected to her highland servant, John Brown. When looking at Queen Victorias interest in the spiritual world, historians… Continue reading Queen Victoria, clairvoyants and her Scottish servant, John Brown
Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for a second time, 10th October 1839
“Thursday, October 10.- Got up at ½ p.10 and saw to my astonishment that a stone or rather 2 stones had been thrown at my dressing room window and 2 glasses broke; the stone was tound under the window, in the llle diue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone tound… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for a second time, 10th October 1839
Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation stone for the new Balmoral Castle, 28th September 1858
“A fine morning early, but it began to rain when we went out walking at ½ p. 10, & then poured without ceasing. Most fortunately it cleared at luncheon time, & the sun shone brightly for the ceremony of laying the Foundation Stone of the new house. Mama & her whole party, arrived from Abergeldie… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation stone for the new Balmoral Castle, 28th September 1858
A mutual love: Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens
What happens when two Victorian icons share a mutual interest in one another? Well, for Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, the answer is nothing - or at least for about thirty years! Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I discover the relationship between Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens and why it took so long for them… Continue reading A mutual love: Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens
Queen Victoria’s Coronation fails
With an extreme lack of rehearsal, a falling Lord and a picnic at the alter, Queen Victoria’s £79,000 Coronation certainly didn’t go as smoothly as you might expect. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore Queen Victoria’s Coronation hiccups. ‘The Coronation of Queen Victoria in Westminster Abbey, 28 June 1838’ by Sir George Hayter, dated… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Coronation fails
Queen Victoria’s journal: Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, 20th June 1887
“The day has come, & I am alone, though surrounded by many dear Children. I am writing after a very fatiguing day, in the Garden at Buckingham Palace, where I used to sit so often in former happy days. 50 years today since I came to the throne. God has mercifully sustained we through many… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, 20th June 1887
Queen Victoria’s journal: Her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, 22nd June 1897
“A never to be forgotten day. No one ever I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets, Including Constitution Hill. The crowds were quite indescribable & their enthusiasm truly marvellous & deeply touching. The cheering was quite deafening, & every face seemed to… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, 22nd June 1897