Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
In John Phillips’s 1860 painting of the wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Prince Friedrich of Prussia in January 1859, Queen Victoria can be seen wearing a dress ‘of mauve moire antique & silver,’ trimmed with Honiton lace, which also decorated the velvet train. In addition to this, Victoria wore her ‘Regal Diadem & the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s purple and silver dresses
On 10th February 1840 Queen Victoria made fashion history when she married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London. Like all weddings, there was much speculation over what the bride would be wearing. As the Head of State, it was suggested that Queen… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s wedding dress
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
On 15th June 1905, Princess Margaret of Connaught, daughter of Prince Arthur and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, married Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Upon reaching their teenage years Margaret and her sister, Patricia, were considered two of the most beautiful, and therefore most eligible, women in Europe. At the beginning… Continue reading The wedding of Princess Margaret of Connaught and Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden
Known for their extreme love, fiery arguments and tragic demise, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are one of history’s most iconic couples. But have you ever wondered where this famous love story began? If so, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to join me as I explore the courtship of Queen Victoria and Prince… Continue reading The courtship of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
On 20th April 1894, Princess Alix of Hesse, daughter of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, became engaged to Tsar Nicholas II. Alix and Nicholas in August 1894 Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024 “A dull morning. — Breakfasted alone with Beatrice. — Soon after Ella came in, much agitated,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Princess Alix of Hesse and Tsar Nicholas II, 20th April 1894
On 19th April 1894, Princess Victoria Melita, daughter of Prince Alfred, and Prince Ernst Louis, son of Princess Alice, got married at Schloss Ehrenburg, Coburg. “I will try & describe this eventful day. — Heard a beautiful Chorale being played under the windows of Affie's Palais. — Got up in good time & breakfasted with… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The wedding of Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse, 19th April 1894
“Dearest Uncle, -I hasten to announce to you that yesterday our dear young couple here were engaged, and that we are all very happy. Louis was spoken to yesterday on our return from Aldershot by Albert, who told him he would have an opportunity of speaking to Alice and this opportunity he took last night… Continue reading Letter from Queen Victoria to King Leopold I Of Belgium on the engagement of Princess Alice and Prince Louis of Hesse
On 13th March 1879, Prince Arthur, third son and seventh child of Queen Victoria, married Princess Louise Margaret at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. “Thank God, the morning was beautifully bright. — Arthur & Louischen breakfasted with me alone. They gave me a very pretty gold hand bracelet, with their names in raised letters. He also… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The wedding of Prince Arthur of Connaught and Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia, 13th March 1879
On 10th March 1863, Prince Albert Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. "All is over & this (to me) most trying day is past, as a dream, for all seems like a dream now & leaves hardly any impression upon my poor mind & broken heart! Here I sit lonely… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The wedding of Prince Albert Edward (King Edward VII) and Princess Alexandra of Denmark, 10th March 1863
On 21st March 1871, Princess Louise, sixth child of Queen Victoria, married John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor l. “On waking I could hardly believe this trying day, which seemed so far distant had really came at last! It was dull early but it soon began to get very bright.… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The wedding of Princess Louise and John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll, 21st March 1871
On 7th March 1863, Princess Alexandra of Denmark arrived in England three days before her wedding to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. “Bustle & agitation everywhere. The preparations in London & all over the country quite wonderful & people are very anxious it should be Known that it is meant out of love & affection… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Alexandra of Denmark arrives in England, 7th March 1863