Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Last Tuesday (7th April 2026) I visited Osborne House on the Isle of Wight to see their two new exhibitions: ‘Tradition and Innovation: Victoria’s Final Journey’ and ‘Painters and Patrons: Emma Gaggiotti and Prince Albert’. Queen Victoria first purchased the Osborne estate and its Georgian house in 1845. Over the next few years Prince Albert… Continue reading Two two new exhibitions arrive at Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight residence, Osborne House, for 2026
On 9th March 1888, Crown Prince Friedrich of Prussia succeeded his father, Wilhelm I, as German Emperor and King of Prussia. However, Friedrich’s reign was overshadowed by his terminal battle with throat cancer, which tragically took his life just 99 days after he inherited his new role. Please be aware that some of the topics… Continue reading The 99 day Emperor: Friedrich III’s fight with cancer
From the moment Queen Victoria fell ill in mid January 1901, the royal family and household found themselves in a constant rush of making arrangements and attending various services. Fortunately for them, the Queens departure from Osborne House on 1st February signified the beginning of the end, with just one ceremony left to take place… Continue reading A Royal Reunion: Queen Victoria is buried beside her beloved Albert
Born in Milan in 5th October 1858, Prince Henry of Battenberg was the favourite son-in-law of Queen Victoria. But how did this little known royal become such a prominent member of the royal family? Prince Henry of Battenberg by Bertha Müller after Heinrich von Angeli, dated 1896-1901© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust… Continue reading “Darling Liko”: The life of Prince Henry of Battenberg
Born at Windsor Castle on 13th January 1883, Prince Arthur of Connaught was the second child and only son of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and his wife, Princess Louise Margaret. The baby was christened just over a month later on 16th February in the castle private chapel. It was here that he received the… Continue reading “A future little soldier”: The life of Prince Arthur of Connaught
In November 1878, diphtheria - a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes along with other potentially fatal symptoms - rapidly spread amongst the family of Princess Alice and Prince Louis of Hesse, who had recently returned to Darmstadt following a trip to Eastbourne in England. In the evening of 7th… Continue reading Diphtheria in Darmstadt: The illness that swept through the Hessian Royal Family
Upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Princess Louise found herself welcomed as part of her brother - the new King Edward VII’s - court. In her mother’s will Louise had inherited Kent House on the Isle of Wight and it was between here, London and Scotland that Louise spent the majority of her… Continue reading The final years of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll
The Victorians were famously obsessed with spirituality but did you know that even Queen Victoria was partial to attending seances? Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore Queen Victorias experience with the spiritual world and how it’s connected to her highland servant, John Brown. When looking at Queen Victorias interest in the spiritual world, historians… Continue reading Queen Victoria, clairvoyants and her Scottish servant, John Brown
On 9th December 1897, Queen Victoria made written instructions for her dressers detailing the items she wished to be placed in her coffin. Queen Victoria on her death-bed by Sir Hubert von Herkomer on 24th January 1901 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III “I wish to be buried in a white silk… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s burial instructions
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 7th May 1877, Princess Helena gave birth to an unnamed stillborn son at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “Very fine & bright. - Many telegrams & from Constantinople & elsewhere. - Walked with Marie & Beatrice down to the Mausoleum, then past Frogmore to the little Cottage, where we sat for a little while outside &… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Helena gives birth to an unnamed stillborn son, 7th May 1877
On 6th April 1871, Prince Alexander John, son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Sandringham House, Norfolk. Sadly he died the following day. 6th April “Very bright & sunny, but a very cold wind. — Went out with Leopold & enquired for Toward at Barton,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth and death of Prince Alexander John of Wales, 6th & 7th April 1871