Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Until the Victorian era Christmas was a reasonably uncelebrated festival amongst the ordinary people. However, in the 1840s, something changed. The publication of Charles Dickens’ novel ‘A Christmas Carol’ on 19th December 1843 not only brought people’s attention to the religious event, but also created a new perspective on the joys that the otherwise depressing… Continue reading 1832: Christmas with Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace
Christmas at Osborne House, 20th November 2025 © Shannon McInulty / Queen.Victoria.Roses Christmas had always been a special time for Queen Victoria as a child; with decorated trees, sugary treats, lavish gifts and trips to the theatre. However, Christmas 1840 was much more poignant as she was no longer the ‘unmarried girl’ who had spent… Continue reading 1840: Queen Victoria’s first Christmas as a wife and mother
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
Having spent his childhood Christmases in Germany, Prince Albert had many fond memories surrounding his native Christmas stories and traditions, including the legend of St. Nicholas, which he was determined to pass onto his own children. Representing the jolly merriment of the festive season, Father Christmas is famous for giving edible treats to children who… Continue reading A Victorian Christmas: St. Nicholas Visits Windsor Castle
In 1899, Queen Victoria spent a final Christmas at Windsor Castle. The following day, 26th December, the hosted a tea at St George’s Hall for the families of soldiers serving in the second Anglo-Boer War. Queen Victoria described the event in her journal: Queen Victoria handing gifts to her family, dated 1897 “Dull & foggy.… Continue reading Queen Victorias Christmas tea for the families of soldiers serving in the Anglo-Boer war, 26th December 1899
24th December 1900 “I got up a little earlier, & had in fact slept better, not having laid awake long. — Went out with Lenchen & Beatrice. — Rested when I came in, & did not go out again. — Had my tea, & at 6 went down, being joined by Arthur, Louischen & their… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th & 25th December 1900, her final Christmas:
Queen Victoria's Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, 1850 by James Roberts ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “The frost gone, a raw dull morning. - Albert out shooting, & I, walking with the Children. - We walked out in the afternoon, & found it raw & damp. - We began, by giving… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th December 1850
Queen Victoria, dated 22nd June 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “This once so very bright festive day returns sadly vow, the shadow of such deep sorrows hanging like a cloud over it. — Again a bright frosty morning. — Helen & Lorne at breakfast, Louise coming later. — Very busy… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th December 1897, the year of her Diamond Jubilee:
Queen Victoria with Princess Louise (left) and Princess Alice (right) at Balmoral in October 1863 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “Felt very miserable on waking to think that this day, once so gay & joyous, had came round again. — Wet early, but it cleared rather late, & I walked to… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th December 1863:
24th December 1862: “Alas! Xmas Eve & all the joy I used to take in it gone! — Walked & drove with Alice, stopping at Barton, to look at the Xmas trees & presents prepared for the School Children. — Gave my presents to the maids, &c. — Lunched with Baby. — Took a short… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th & 25th December 1862, her first Christmas after the death of Prince Albert:
“The secret picture” of Queen Victoria by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, dated 1843 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “This happy day has again returned, & it seems but yesterday we had last celebrated it. Time flies too fast. I feel certain that our Heavenly Father through His blessed Son, whose birth we… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th December 1843:
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1859©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “Already this dear Festival returned again, & this year with true Xmas weather, snow on the ground & sharp frost. — Albert & the Princes our shooting, but Louis preferred remaining with Alice. Walked down with them to the skating… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas journals, 24th December 1860, her final Christmas with Prince Albert: