Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Queen Victoria’s reign coincided with the advancement of countless technologies, including: photography, the flushing toilet and the lightbulb. But did you know that Queen Victoria was the first European Monarch to use a telephone? That’s right, in January 1878, Alexander Graham Bell travelled across the Solent to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, where… Continue reading Queen Victoria uses the telephone for the first time
“Never since my beloved Mother & Husband were taken from me have I spent this day here. May God bless this new year to us all, long preserve my dear ones & help me to improve & do my duty! — Unfortunately a dreadful day of violent showers & fearful wind. — Gave and received… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The Delhi Durbar of Queen Victoria, proclaiming her Empress of India, 1st January 1877
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. Unless he and Queen Adelaide could produce an heir, the crown would pass onto his eleven year old… Continue reading The Regency Act of 1830
On 8th October 1844, King Louis-Philippe, of France stayed at Windsor Castle on a reciprocal visit, as the guest of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Arrival of King Louis-Philippe at Windsor Castle, dated 1845 by Édouard Pingret Source: Wikimedia This was the first time a reigning French King had visited England since the fourteenth century.… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: King Louis-Philippe of France’s arrival at Windsor Castle, 8th October 1844
Reception of the Emperor and Empress of Russia at Balmoral, 22 September 1896, by Amadée Forestier©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III 22nd September: “A pouring wet day, the worst we have yet had, most unexpected after yesterday. — Heard on getting up, that the Imperial Yacht was in sight of Leith. —… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The visit of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his wife Alexandra Feodorovna (formerly Princess Alix of Hesse), 22nd September- 3rd October 1896
“Less windy, & chilly. — Service at 11, performed by a Mr Fisher from Aberdeen, who preached a good sermon. — Heard that the poor Emperor was bearing up with great fortitude. Had a touching telegram from him, in answer to mine. — Had tea in the Cottage with Beatrice, Louie, Feo & Emich. Afterwards… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Empress Elizabeth “Sisi” of Austria, 10th September 1898
In June 1858, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert embarked on a three day tour of Warwickshire, where the Queen was to open the public museum and garden at Aston Hall. Although the couple were originally meant to stay at Warwick Castle, Albert’s declining health led to them searching for a much quieter location. Upon hearing… Continue reading Was it worth it? How the Leigh family ruined Stoneleigh Abbeys stability and value in order to impress Queen Victoria
Born fifth in line to the throne, Princess Alexandrina Victoria’s chances of becoming Queen looked slim; but the death of Princess Charlotte in 1817 and King George III’s lack of legitimate grandchildren paved the way for her to one day become the most powerful woman in the world. Join me as I look at the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journey to the throne: The line of succession from King George III to Queen Victoria
On 6th June 1872, Princess Alix of Hesse and By Rhine, daughter of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Neues Palais, Darmtadt. Princess Alix of Hesse by Hills and Saunders, dated May 1875 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III Christened a month later on 1st July, she was… Continue reading The life of Princess Alix of Hesse, Later Alexandra Feodorovna
On this day, 13th June 1842, Queen Victoria rode in a train for the first time, becoming the first monarch to do so! Queen Victoria’s journal: “Albert went early with our Cousins, to bathe & swim in the Thames, which he had done for several days. He delights in it. We all, including Mama, breakfasted,… Continue reading Queen Victorias first train ride, 13th June 1842
On this day, 7th June 1844, a reception was held in the Saloon at Buckingham Palace for Emperor Nicholas I of Russia and the King of Saxony. Watercolour view of the Saloon, with dinner party guests, by William Evans, dated 1844©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III Queen Victoria’s journal: “Breakfast the same,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal- reception for Emperor Nicholas I of Russia and the King of Saxony at Buckingham Palace
On 12th May 1842, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hosted a 14th century themed bal Costumé at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at the Bal Costumé of 12 May 1842, by sir Edwin Landseer, dated 1842-46 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III After the completion of the new throne at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s 14th Century bal costumé, 1842