Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Quite unusually for the time of year, on 10th March 1847 a snowstorm struck Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home, Osborne House. In her journal the Queen writes that it had ‘began snowing early & continued all the morning, the ground and trees being covered in snow, which I tried to make a sketch of’… Continue reading ‘The whole accident has upset us’: Tragedy strikes at Osborne House
In October 1849 Queen Victoria and her family were staying at Windsor Castle when illness spread amongst them. The first to fall ill was the thirty-year-old monarch. For seveal days the Queen had felt unwell, with aching limbs, headaches, muscle weakness and difficulty sleeping. However, on 24th October her symptoms began to worsen when a… Continue reading “Dreadful irritation, which is most unpleasant”: Queen Victoria and chickenpox
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
“Fortunately a beautiful day for the Opening of the Crystal Palace. — We walked in the garden. — Lunched early, & at 2 we started with our whole numerous party for Sydenham, we Ladies in very elegant morning dresses, & the Gentlemen, in uniform. Our nephews went with us in the carriage. Our 4 eldest Children… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, 10th June 1854
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
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
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
Group photograph taken in June 1859. From left to right: Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders; Princess Alice; Prince Albert; Duke of Oporto; Queen Victoria (seated); Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; and Leopold I of Belgium. ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A sad, sad blow, which has long been impending, has at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of King Leopold I of Belgium, 10th December 1865
Princess Maud in 1910 Source: Wikipedia “A fine morning — Walked down to the Mausoleum with the Dss of Roxburghe & drove back — Very busy with every sort of thing. — Leopold of B. arrived just before luncheon. Everything had gave off admirably, first, at bucking. ham Palace, where all the Addresses from the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Maud, 26th November 1869
“There was a good deal of fog, early before breakfast, but it gradually became clearer. - At 11, we set off for the City. I feel I cannot attempt properly to describe the splendour of the whole scene, of the procession, or of the proceedings in the Royal Exchange, so I will confine myself only… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Queen Victoria opens the Royal Exchange, 28th October 1844
On 24th October 1887, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle. Queen Victoria with Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, September 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust “Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887
“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 found under the window, in the little blue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for the second time, 10th October 1839