Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
On 13th June 1851, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hosted a Stuart themed costume ball in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria's Costume for the Stuart Ball, designed by Eugene-Louis Lami, 1851Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III Inspired by the court of King Charles II, the Stuart ball was the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Stuart ball dress
“A very oppressive morning. Out, in the garden. - Again in the afternoon, we were some time with Winterhalter. Afterwards we drove out with the 3 girls, but were obliged to keep the carriage closed, as it rained. - We dined together early, & then began dressing for our Bal Costumè. Our dresses, & Charles's… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The Stuart Ball, 13th June 1851
“This day is one of the greatest & most glorious days of our lives, with which, to my pride & joy the name of my dearly beloved Albert is for ever associated it is a day which makes my heart swell with thankfulness. We began the day with tenderest greetings & congratulations on the birthday… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the 1851 Great Exhibition, 1st May 1851
On 3rd June 1865, King George V, son of Prince Albert Edward (Edward VII) and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Marlborough House, London “Was quite startled at ½ p. 3 in the morning by being brought 2 telegrams, which they said I must have. They were from Bertie announcing that dear Alix had… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of King George V, 3rd June 1865
On 1st June 1893, Queen Victoria and members of her family attended Mr Ginnett's Circus in a field close to the River Dee in Scotland. The attended again on 19th June. “Showery, but not cold. — Breakfast, as always with dear Marie & Sandra (who is a charming girl) — Out with them. — After… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: the Queen and members of the royal family attend Mr Ginnett’s Circus, 1st June 1893
On 7th May 1859, Queen Victoria’s third child, Princess Alice, attended her first Drawing-Room at St James’ Palace. Princess Alice dressed for her first Drawing-room by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, dated 1859 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III ‘… - Early luncheon & dressing for Drawingroom, to which Alice went for the 1rst… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Alice attends her first Drawing-room, 7th May 1859
On 20th May 1876, Prince Harald, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, died aged just eight days at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “Reached Perth at ½ p. g. I found 2 telegrams awaiting me, which I opened, & was dreadfully shocked & distressed by the following words from Christian: "Our darling little boy… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 20th May 1876
On 20th May 1854, Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Princess Victoria, attended her first Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace. Vicky in her 1st Drawing room dress, dated May 21st 1854 by Queen Victoria ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A fine warm day. The public celebration of my birthday today, therefore, at a little… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria, Princess Royal attends her first Drawing-room, 20th May 1854
On 19th May 1856, Queen Victoria lay the foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria (Military) Hospital in Netley. Queen Victoria laying the Foundation Stone of the Royal Military Hospital at Netley,19 May 1856 by William SimpsonRoyal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III ‘Still very windy, though an improvement on yesterday. - Started at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital in Netley, 19th May 1856
On 8th May 1856, the new Ballroom at Buckingham Palace opened with an inaugural ball. The throne room was designed by Sir James Pennethorne, with Ludwig Gruner supervising the Italian Renaissance inspired interior decoration. “The same cold, windy weather. We got out for a short walk. - Sitting to Winterhalter. - Lunched earlier & dressed, 'en… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The inaugural ball at Buckingham Palace, 8th May 1856
On 13th May 1848, Princess Louise, sixth child of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace. “Another intensely hot day. — We were out as usual. — Mama most kindly sent the Baby a string of pearls, to which was attached a locket with her hair, similar to what she gave… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Louise, 13th May 1848
On 12th May 1876, Prince Harald, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “A dull morning. — On getting up, heard that dear Lenchen had got a boy born at 1.30 after a severe time. — The Empress & Arthur at breakfast. — Just before I went… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 12th May 1876