Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
On 11th May 1900, Queen Victoria hosted her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace. In her journal she wrote: Queen Victoria's last Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, dated 1900 by Max Cowper. RCIN 923457 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust “A fine day. — Arthur, Louischen, & their girls breakfasted with us.… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Queen Victoria hosts her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace, 11th May 1900
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
Group photograph taken in June 1859. From left to right: Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders; Princess Alice; Prince Albert; Duke of Oporto; Queen Victoria (seated); Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; and Leopold I of Belgium. ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A sad, sad blow, which has long been impending, has at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of King Leopold I of Belgium, 10th December 1865
“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 found under the window, in the little blue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for the second time, 10th October 1839
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
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
“A never to be forgotten day. No one ever I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets, Including Constitution Hill. The crowds were quite indescribable & their enthusiasm truly marvellous & deeply touching. The cheering was quite deafening, & every face seemed to… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, 22nd June 1897
On 13th June 1851, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hosted a Stuart themed costume ball in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria's Costume for the Stuart Ball, designed by Eugene-Louis Lami, 1851Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III Inspired by the court of King Charles II, the Stuart ball was the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Stuart ball dress
“A very oppressive morning. Out, in the garden. - Again in the afternoon, we were some time with Winterhalter. Afterwards we drove out with the 3 girls, but were obliged to keep the carriage closed, as it rained. - We dined together early, & then began dressing for our Bal Costumè. Our dresses, & Charles's… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The Stuart Ball, 13th June 1851
While Victoria and Albert rode in an open carriage after their Sunday service at St James’s Palace on 29th May 1842, Prince Albert noticed a “little, swarthy, ill-looking rascal” standing along the mall. He watched as the man held up a pistol and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the gun failed to go off. He then… Continue reading John Francis’s assination attempt on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, May 1842
On 8th May 1856, the new Ballroom at Buckingham Palace opened with an inaugural ball. The throne room was designed by Sir James Pennethorne, with Ludwig Gruner supervising the Italian Renaissance inspired interior decoration. “The same cold, windy weather. We got out for a short walk. - Sitting to Winterhalter. - Lunched earlier & dressed, 'en… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The inaugural ball at Buckingham Palace, 8th May 1856
In the early hours of St Patrick’s day (17th March) 1886, a new Princess was born at Buckingham Palace. Described as ‘a dear pretty little thing’ by Queen Victoria, Princess Patricia was the youngest child of Prince Arthur and his wife, Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia. She was christened on 1st May at St Anne’s… Continue reading “A sweet affectionate little child”: The life of Patricia of Connaught, later Lady Patricia Ramsay