Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Lyon and Turnbull Yesterday (22nd April 2026), auction house Lyon and Turnbull sold this stunning gold and turquoise bracelet which had once been given as a gift from Queen Victoria to Lady Rachel Russell. Described by the Queen as ‘a delightful child of 11 years old,’ Rachel was believed to be the product of… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s gift to Lady Rachel Russell
Designed and made by the royal jewellers, Rundell Bridge & Rundell, in 1838, Queen Victoria’s coronation ring was inspired by that of her uncle, King William IV, from seven years earlier. The tradition of the coronation ring plays an important role in the monarchs investiture, during which, after the anointing of holy oil, the Archbishop… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s coronation ring
Since the Victorian era, sending Christmas cards has become an essential part of celebrating the festive season. But how did this timeless tradition begin? Let’s take a look! The idea of sending seasons greeting as decorated visiting cards and letterheads first came about in the early 1840s when the British postal service was updated and… Continue reading The history of the Christmas card
Queen Victoria famously blamed her eldest son - Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) - for causing the premature death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. But why was this and what did it have to do with an “actress” named Nellie Clifden? Let’s take a look! Considered a disappointment by his… Continue reading Nellie Clifden: Did the future Kings affair with an “actress” cause the death of Prince Albert?
“alas. a girl & not a boy, as we both had so hoped & wished for. We were, I am afraid, sadly disappointed, but yet our hearts were full of gratitude, for God having brought me safely through my ordeal, & having such a strong, healthy child.” At 2pm on 21st November 1840, Queen Victoria… Continue reading 10 fascinating facts about Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Princess Victoria
Like any royal, Prince Maurice of Battenberg was destined to join the military. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I take a look at Maurice’s short time in the army and how this led to his tragic demise. Prince Maurice in uniform, dated 1916©️ de Laszlo Foundation From a young age, the prince had dreamt of… Continue reading A Prince on the frontline: The Military Career and Death of Prince Maurice of Battenberg
On 26th October 1944, Princess Beatrice, youngest child of Queen Victoria, passed away aged 87 at Brantridge Park in West Sussex. Queen Victoria and Princess Beatrice, May 1879© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust Devoted to her mother, Beatrice rarely left the Queens side; even during her marriage to Prince Henry of… Continue reading The death of Princess Beatrice of Battenberg, 26th October 1944
On 15th October 1839, Queen Victoria became engaged to her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The two first met in May 1836 when Prince Albert visited Kensington Palace for Victorias seventeenth birthday celebrations. When the two met again three years later in October 1839, Victoria was clearly smitten by the princes pleasing… Continue reading The engagement of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Did you know that both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were brought into the world by the same female midwife? Charlotte von Siebold Source: Wikipedia Born in 1788, Charlotte von Siebold was fascinated by medicine, a trait she adopted from her mother and step-father, Damian von Siebold, who was a city doctor and medical officer… Continue reading Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s mutual midwife, Charlotte von Siebold
On 8th October 1905, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha married her second husband, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia. Princess Victoria Melita and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia in 1906Source: Wikimedia Commons The two cousins first met in 1891, while attending a family funeral. Before long, the two wished to marry. However, Victorias… Continue reading Princess Victoria Malta and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia
Queen Victoria's bracelet, 23 Nov 1839 Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III Here we can see Queen Victoria’s gold and amethyst bracelet. It was given to Queen as an engagement gift from her mother, the Duchess of Kent, on the day she announced her engagement to Prince Albert to the Privy Council. … Continue reading Queen Victorias gold and amethyst bracelet
Eagle brooch by Charles Augustus Ferdinand du Ve, 1839-1840 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III For her wedding, Queen Victoria hired twelve Maids-of-Honour to carry her 18 foot (5.5 metres) train. Following the ceremony, Queen Victoria ‘gave all the Train Bearers, as a souvenir, a small eagle brooch in turquoises,’ which would… Continue reading Queen Victorias gift to her Train Bearers