Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
In June 1830, King William IV became the oldest person to ascend the British throne. Both his age and lack of legitimate children soon began causing concern over what would happen in the case of his death. As the daughter of King George III’s next son - the Duke of Kent, who passed away in… Continue reading The Regency Act of 1830
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
“Thursday, October 10.- Got up at ½ p.10 and saw to my astonishment that a stone or rather 2 stones had been thrown at my dressing room window and 2 glasses broke; the stone was tound under the window, in the llle diue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone tound… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for a second time, 10th October 1839
“A fine morning early, but it began to rain when we went out walking at ½ p. 10, & then poured without ceasing. Most fortunately it cleared at luncheon time, & the sun shone brightly for the ceremony of laying the Foundation Stone of the new house. Mama & her whole party, arrived from Abergeldie… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation stone for the new Balmoral Castle, 28th September 1858
What happens when two Victorian icons share a mutual interest in one another? Well, for Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, the answer is nothing - or at least for about thirty years! Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I discover the relationship between Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens and why it took so long for them… Continue reading A mutual love: Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens
Tucked inside the ominous walls of Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight is a small, independent museum, which is bursting with royal connections. From the imprisonment of King Charles I in 1647 to toys from your childhood, the museum is a great place to visit this summer. But do you know how the museum… Continue reading A royal legacy: Princess Beatrice’s Isle of Wight Museum
With an extreme lack of rehearsal, a falling Lord and a picnic at the alter, Queen Victoria’s £79,000 Coronation certainly didn’t go as smoothly as you might expect. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore Queen Victoria’s Coronation hiccups. ‘The Coronation of Queen Victoria in Westminster Abbey, 28 June 1838’ by Sir George Hayter, dated… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Coronation fails
“The day has come, & I am alone, though surrounded by many dear Children. I am writing after a very fatiguing day, in the Garden at Buckingham Palace, where I used to sit so often in former happy days. 50 years today since I came to the throne. God has mercifully sustained we through many… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, 20th June 1887