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: on this day
The Royal Disease: Haemophilia and the Royal Family
Today (17th April) is World Haemophilia Day. Known as “The Royal Disease”, haemophilia is commonly associated with Queen Victoria, who was the first known member of the British Royal Family to be a carrier of the illness. Through Victoria and her descendants, haemophilia had spread across various European monarchies by the 1920s. Until the birth… Continue reading The Royal Disease: Haemophilia and the Royal Family
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
A Royal Reunion: Queen Victoria is buried beside her beloved Albert
From the moment Queen Victoria fell ill in mid January 1901, the royal family and household found themselves in a constant rush of making arrangements and attending various services. Fortunately for them, the Queens departure from Osborne House on 1st February signified the beginning of the end, with just one ceremony left to take place… Continue reading A Royal Reunion: Queen Victoria is buried beside her beloved Albert
“Darling Liko”: The life of Prince Henry of Battenberg
Born in Milan in 5th October 1858, Prince Henry of Battenberg was the favourite son-in-law of Queen Victoria. But how did this little known royal become such a prominent member of the royal family? Prince Henry of Battenberg by Bertha Müller after Heinrich von Angeli, dated 1896-1901© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust… Continue reading “Darling Liko”: The life of Prince Henry of Battenberg
“A future little soldier”: The life of Prince Arthur of Connaught
Born at Windsor Castle on 13th January 1883, Prince Arthur of Connaught was the second child and only son of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and his wife, Princess Louise Margaret. The baby was christened just over a month later on 16th February in the castle private chapel. It was here that he received the… Continue reading “A future little soldier”: The life of Prince Arthur of Connaught
Princess Louise’s boat accident
In December 1911, Louise, Duchess of Fife - eldest daughter of King Edward VII - travelled to Egypt with her husband, Prince Alexander and their daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Maud. During the journey, their boat, SS Delhi, was hit by a storm and ran aground just off the coast of Morocco. Fortunately the family… Continue reading Princess Louise’s boat accident
14 facts about Princess Alice of Albany, later Countess of Athlone
On 3rd January 1981, Princess Alice of Albany passed away in her sleep at Kensington Palace. Join me as we take a look some facts about her fascinating life! Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone;Prince Alexander Cambridge, Earl ofAthlone, dated 1943 ©️ National Portrait Gallery, London NPG X74242 When she was born, Queen Victoria described Alice… Continue reading 14 facts about Princess Alice of Albany, later Countess of Athlone
Victoria and Albert’s New Years gift
Every New Year Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would travel to the Riding School at Windsor, where they would give gifts - such as meat, bread, coal and blankets - to the poor. This tradition continued every year until the prince’s untimely death in December 1861. The Queen described one of the events in her… Continue reading Victoria and Albert’s New Years gift
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
The final years of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll
Upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Princess Louise found herself welcomed as part of her brother - the new King Edward VII’s - court. In her mother’s will Louise had inherited Kent House on the Isle of Wight and it was between here, London and Scotland that Louise spent the majority of her… Continue reading The final years of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll