Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Historic Royal Palaces Made between 1840-1850, this Russian-styled wool tunic is a rare survival from the wardrobe of Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Whilst Bertie, as he was known amongst his family, appears to have worn several similar tunics throughout his childhood, this particular one was… Continue reading King Edward VII’s childhood tunic
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
© 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
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
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
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
© London Museum Described by Queen Victoria as ‘a never to be forgotten day’, 14th January 1892 saw a major shift in the future of the British Monarchy. Not only had the Queen just experienced the loss of her dear grandson, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, but the nation had also lost its future… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s mourning dress, 1892
Queen Victoria’s petticoat at Kensington Palace, October 2019© Shannon McInulty / Queen.Victoria.Roses Dating between 1840-1841, this petticoat was worn by Queen Victoria during the earlier years of her reign, when she was in her early 20s. Made out of lawn cotton and trimmed with French lace, this lightweight garment would have been worn under her… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s petticoat
On display at Carisbrooke Castle Museum on the Isle of Wight visitors can see an ornately decorated Birthday Book, which was designed by the museum’s founder, Princess Beatrice in 1881. As Queen Victoria’s closest companion and private secretary, Princess Beatrice found herself in constant correspondence with the Queen’s forever growing family, which was scattered across… Continue reading Princess Beatrice makes a ‘Charming Birthday Book’ for charity
Kicking off my new series, ‘Royal Fashion Friday’, we’re looking at Queen Victoria’s earliest surviving dress, best known as the ‘Blonde Dress’. The ‘Blond Dress’ at Kensington Palace, 18th October 2025 © Shannon McInulty / Queen.Victoria.Roses Made in the early 1830s, this delicate rare survival is believed to have been a gift from King Leopold… Continue reading ‘The Blonde Dress’: Queen Victoria’s earliest surviving dress