Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Recently we saw the release of Fern Riddell’s newest book Victoria’s Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen, which reveals new evidence surrounding Queen Victoria’s relationship with her highland servant, John Brown. I have to begin by saying that Fern has done an exceptional job of portraying Victoria as both a queen and as an… Continue reading Book Review: ‘Victoria’s Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen’ by Fern Riddell
Just as we have been experiencing recently, the 17th August 1899 had been a ‘very hot’ day on the Isle of Wight; and like any other summers day spent at her summer residence, Osborne House, Queen Victoria took tea with her granddaughter, Princess Helena Victoria “Thora” of Schleswig-Holstein. However, this day wasn’t the same as… Continue reading Queen Victoria attends a fête at Carisbrooke Castle, 17th August 1899
On 16th August 1858, Queen Victoria sent the first official telegram using the new transatlantic telegraph system. For years engineers had been trying to invent new and quicker ways to send messages overseas. However, it wasn’t until the 1840s that the idea of submarine cables came to light, with the first working cable being laid… Continue reading Queen Victoria sends the first transatlantic telegraph
This week, 2nd-9th August 2025, we celebrate Cowes Week, a historic sailing event on the Isle of Wight. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore the history of Cowes Week and its connection to Queen Victoria and the Royal family. Cowes Week 2025 © Queen.Victoria.Roses Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Club in West Cowes… Continue reading “The white sails of the yachts had such a charming effect” : Queen Victoria and Cowes Week
On 15th July 1898, Queen Victoria presented the State Colour to the Scots Guards in Windsor Great Park. Like most mornings spent at Windsor, Victoria began that “very fine hot day” by having breakfast at Frogmore before visiting the mausoleum, and later attending a family luncheon. In the early afternoon, the elderly monarch went to… Continue reading “A very pretty sight”: Queen Victoria presents the State Colour to the Scots Guards, 15th July 1899
“Fortunately a beautiful day for the Opening of the Crystal Palace. — We walked in the garden. — Lunched early, & at 2 we started with our whole numerous party for Sydenham, we Ladies in very elegant morning dresses, & the Gentlemen, in uniform. Our nephews went with us in the carriage. Our 4 eldest Children… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, 10th June 1854
At 11am on 21st May 1894, Queen Victoria left Windsor Castle, with members of her family and household, and headed en route to her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle. Along the way, the royal entourage stopped at Manchester so that Victoria could open its iconic Ship Canal. As the royal train arrived at the station at… Continue reading “I never saw anything like it”: Queen Victoria opens Manchester’s Ship Canal
On 15th May 1899, Queen Victoria visited Kensington Palace to inspect her childhood apartments and the neighbouring Denmark Wing, just days before they were set to open to the public for the very first time. At 11:30 in the morning of that fine spring day, Queen Victoria left Windsor Castle and headed straight to her… Continue reading Kensington Palace opens it’s doors to the public
Recognised as one of the greatest icons of the nineteenth century, Florence Nightingale was a leading voice in establishing modern nursing. Through her selfless work, Miss Nightingale found herself acquainted with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were great admirers of her efforts to improve the conditions of injured and sick men during the Crimean… Continue reading Influencing the royals: Florence Nightingale and the Royal Family
In May 1840, the world’s first adhesive postage stamps came into circulation, changing the postage system forever. But how did this revolutionary idea come into existence? By the time Victoria ascended the throne in 1837 sending mail had become unaffordable to many, with the cost of postage being worked out by the amount of pages… Continue reading The Penny Black and Two Penny Blue: The history behind adhesive stamps
Have you heard of Primrose Day? Beginning in 1882, Primrose Day was a national day, which commemorated the passing of Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. It is said that primroses had been the Prime Minister’s favourite flower, with Queen Victoria regularly sending him bunches from her gardens at Osborne and Windsor. When… Continue reading Primrose Day: Queen Victoria’s gift to a friend
Today (17th April) is World Haemophilia Day. Known as “The Royal Disease”, haemophilia is commonly associated with Queen Victoria, who was the first known member of the British Royal Family to be a carrier of the illness. Through Victoria and her descendants, haemophilia had spread across various European monarchies by the 1920s. Until the birth… Continue reading The Royal Disease: Haemophilia and the Royal Family