Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
This week, 2nd-9th August 2025, we celebrate Cowes Week, a historic sailing event on the Isle of Wight. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore the history of Cowes Week and its connection to Queen Victoria and the Royal family. Cowes Week 2025 © Queen.Victoria.Roses Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Club in West Cowes… Continue reading “The white sails of the yachts had such a charming effect” : Queen Victoria and Cowes Week
In November 1871 Queen Victoria received the terrifying news that her eldest son and heir, Prince Albert Edward, had fallen ill with typhoid, the dreaded disease that had taken her husband’s death precisely ten years earlier. It’s believed that the prince and several other guests contracted the illness after becoming exposed to harmful bacteria while… Continue reading A “most touching & elevating” thanksgiving service to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales
On 23rd November 1887, Princess Victoria Eugénie, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was christened at Balmoral Castle. “[…] The ceremony was at 1, & was performed by Dr Lees. We sat on either side of the font, I, with those who represented the sponsors, viz: the Dss of Roxburghe for Vicky,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 23rd November 1887
On 1st April 1858, the confirmation of Queen Victoria's eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, took place at Windsor Castle. “A showery, raw morning. — Bertie came to wish me good morning, before breakfasting alone in his room. Our visitors came to breakfast. All the other Children looked for Easter eggs. —… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII), 1st April 1858
1900 had been ‘a horrible year’ filled with ‘nothing but sadness and horrors of one kind & another’ for Queen Victoria. On 30th July, her third child, Prince Alfred, died of throat cancer and October also saw the death of her grandson, Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein. The Queens eldest child, Victoria, had also been… Continue reading “I should like to live a little longer”: The death of Queen Victoria
On 9th September 1862, Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII), eldest son of Queen Victoria, became engaged to Princess Alexandra of Denmark at Laeken in Denmark Prince Albert Edward and Princess Alexandra around the time of their engagement, dated September 1862 “On getting up, found a letter from Bertie, who had paid his visit… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Prince Albert Edward and Princess Alexandra of Denmark, 9th September 1862
On Thursday, I asked you to send in your questions for Martin Williams to answer, following the release of his new book last month. We received some excellent and some quite challenging questions, but I can guarantee that Martins answers do not disappoint! When did your interest in King Edward VII start and what triggered… Continue reading Q&A with Martin Williams, author of ‘The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!’