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
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
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
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
With most of us already beginning to decorate for Christmas, let’s take a look at how the Christmas tree became a popular tradition in Britain! Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children around a Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle. Originally published in the Illustrated London News in 1848 Many people believe that it was… Continue reading The royal family and Christmas trees
Did you know that Queen Victoria celebrated Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany, with a large Twelfth Night Cake? The tradition of the cake had been going on for centuries and originally the cake had been a fruit bread that resembled brioche and held another tradition of its own. A bean would be placed inside… Continue reading Queen Victorias Twelfth Night Cake
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
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
During Queen Victoria’s reign, Turkey was considered to be a small and much less important part of the Christmas menus than it is today. Before Turkey was popularised by King Edward VII, there were some rather unusual dishes on the Royal Christmas menu. ‘Christmas at Windsor’ Source: Pinterest In the 12th century King Henry II… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Christmas dinner