Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980030.b This Sketchbook Saturday we’re looking at this stunning watercolour landscape by Queen Victoria, titled ‘View from the new approach, Balmoral’. On 27th September 1854 Queen Victoria described in her journal how it had been a ‘beautiful day, with a very hot sun. — Albert out… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 13
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
On 24th October 1887, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle. Queen Victoria with Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, September 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust “Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887
“I was woke at 4, to go to dear Beatrice, & before 7, she gave birth to a fine big boy. Everything went off quite well, & "unberufen" she could not be better. Such a contrast to that dreadful confinement here 4 years ago when dear little Eva was born. So thankful that all is… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Maurice of Battenberg, 3rd October 1891
On 1st June 1893, Queen Victoria and members of her family attended Mr Ginnett's Circus in a field close to the River Dee in Scotland. The attended again on 19th June. “Showery, but not cold. — Breakfast, as always with dear Marie & Sandra (who is a charming girl) — Out with them. — After… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: the Queen and members of the royal family attend Mr Ginnett’s Circus, 1st June 1893
On 31st October 1891, Prince Maurice of Battenberg, son of Princess Beatrice and grandson of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the drawing-room at Balmoral Castle, the first christening of a prince in Scotland for 300 years. The christening of Prince Maurice of Battenberg by George Ogilvy Reid, dated 1891 ©️ National Galleries Scotland “Very foggy… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal- The christening of Prince Maurice of Battenberg, 31st October 1891
“A bright but very cold morning. — There came a very startling telegram from Reuter, saying that the official Gazette at St. Petersburg had published that Gen: Ignatieff had been ordered to send out an ultimatum asking for the acceptance of the 6 weeks to 2 months Armistice, & if not agreed to in 48… Continue reading Halloween at Balmoral- Queen Victoria’s journal, 31st October 1876:
On 24th October 1887, Victoria Eugénie, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle. Queen Victoria with Victoria Eugénie, dated September 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very ill, but went to bed again,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal- The birth of Victoria Eugénie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887
On 29th September 1855, Victoria, Princess Royal, and Prince Frederick of Prussia (later Frederick III, Empror of Germany and King of Prussia) became engaged at Balmoral. From left to right: Prince Friedrich of Prussia, Princess Victoria, Prince Alfred (seated on the grass), Princess Alice, Princess Helena, Queen Victoria, Princess Louise, Prince Albert and Prince Albert… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Victoria, Princess Royal, to Prince Friedrich of Prussia, 29th September 1855
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