Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Christmas at Osborne House, 20th November 2025 © Shannon McInulty / Queen.Victoria.Roses Christmas had always been a special time for Queen Victoria as a child; with decorated trees, sugary treats, lavish gifts and trips to the theatre. However, Christmas 1840 was much more poignant as she was no longer the ‘unmarried girl’ who had spent… Continue reading 1840: Queen Victoria’s first Christmas as a wife and mother
Quite unusually for the time of year, on 10th March 1847 a snowstorm struck Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home, Osborne House. In her journal the Queen writes that it had ‘began snowing early & continued all the morning, the ground and trees being covered in snow, which I tried to make a sketch of’… Continue reading ‘The whole accident has upset us’: Tragedy strikes at Osborne House
In October 1849 Queen Victoria and her family were staying at Windsor Castle when illness spread amongst them. The first to fall ill was the thirty-year-old monarch. For seveal days the Queen had felt unwell, with aching limbs, headaches, muscle weakness and difficulty sleeping. However, on 24th October her symptoms began to worsen when a… Continue reading “Dreadful irritation, which is most unpleasant”: Queen Victoria and chickenpox
1st August 1842 Queen Victoria was involved in an accident, which almost changed the British Monarchy forever, when she was thrown from her horse while out riding at Windsor
Tomorrow (26th August 2025) is international dog day so it only seems right to celebrate by talking about Queen Victoria’s childhood companion, Dash. ‘A beautiful spaniel of King Charles’s breed,’ Dash first entered Princess (later Queen) Victoria’s life on 14th January 1833 when he was given to her mother, the Duchess of Kent, by her… Continue reading “Dear little Dash”: Queen Victoria’s childhood companion
From the moment Queen Victoria fell ill in mid January 1901, the royal family and household found themselves in a constant rush of making arrangements and attending various services. Fortunately for them, the Queens departure from Osborne House on 1st February signified the beginning of the end, with just one ceremony left to take place… Continue reading A Royal Reunion: Queen Victoria is buried beside her beloved Albert
Born in Milan in 5th October 1858, Prince Henry of Battenberg was the favourite son-in-law of Queen Victoria. But how did this little known royal become such a prominent member of the royal family? Prince Henry of Battenberg by Bertha Müller after Heinrich von Angeli, dated 1896-1901© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust… Continue reading “Darling Liko”: The life of Prince Henry of Battenberg
Born at Windsor Castle on 13th January 1883, Prince Arthur of Connaught was the second child and only son of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and his wife, Princess Louise Margaret. The baby was christened just over a month later on 16th February in the castle private chapel. It was here that he received the… Continue reading “A future little soldier”: The life of Prince Arthur of Connaught
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