Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
On 30th July 1892, Queen Victoria awoke to an array of telegrams from “Beatrice & Liko [Henry of Battenberg] which gave me a great fright”. Upon reading the line "Beatrice is now calm & composed", Victoria instantly feared for the worst. As she went through more of the telegrams, the Queen soon realised that her… Continue reading Princess Beatrice narrowly escapes a fire in her bedroom
Princess Helena of Schleswig-Holstein is perhaps the least known of Queen Victoria’s nine children. However, like Princess Anne is today, Helena was the hardest working royal of her day. Join me, Shannon McInulty, in today’s post as I explain why Princess Helena is one of History’s Heroines. Princess Helena in April 1859 Royal Collection Trust… Continue reading Why is Princess Helena one of History’s Heroines?
At 5am on 23rd November 1886, Prince Alexander of Battenberg, eldest child of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg, was born at Windsor Castle. In her journal Queen Victoria described how the “little bundle” had “screamed tremendously” before being placed in her arms and presented to Home Secretary, Lord Cross, in the Audience Room.… Continue reading The life of Alexander Mountbatten, 1st Marques of Carisbrooke
On 9th December 1897, Queen Victoria made written instructions for her dressers detailing the items she wished to be placed in her coffin. Queen Victoria on her death-bed by Sir Hubert von Herkomer on 24th January 1901 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III “I wish to be buried in a white silk… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s burial instructions
Wellington College Cricket XI with Prince Christian Victor (seated, centre) as CaptainSource: wellingtoncollegehistory.co.uk Growing up at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor, Prince Christian Victor - eldest child of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein- would regularly play cricket with other local children. Despite beginning his formal education, the Prince continued playing the sport throughout his… Continue reading A royal sportsman: Prince Christian Victor and cricket
Recently I asked my instagram followers to send in their questions for Jane Marguerite Tippett, author of “Once A King: The Lost Memoire of King Edward VIII”. After a few weeks of preparation, I am excited to finally be able to share her answers! 1. What got you interested in history and the royals? I… Continue reading Q&A with Author, Jane Marguerite Tippett
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
Earlier today, 20th June 2024, I had the privilege of seeing Queen Victoria’s Privy Council Dress on display at Kensington Palace, exactly 187 years after it was worn by Queen Victoria on her first day as Monarch. Join me as I talk about this beautiful gown. Queen Victoria’s Privy Council dress on display at Kensington… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Privy Council dress
The front and reverse of the brooch Source: ‘The Queen’s Diamonds’ by Hugh Roberts, page 49 Edit: Queen.Victoria.Roses In October 1856, Queen Victoria commissioned the royal jeweller, Garrard, to remodel an existing diamond ornament as a new and elaborate fringe-pattern chaîne de corsage, which was to be worn along the top of the fashionably low-cut… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Fringe Brooche
On 15th June 1905, Princess Margaret of Connaught, daughter of Prince Arthur and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, married Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Upon reaching their teenage years Margaret and her sister, Patricia, were considered two of the most beautiful, and therefore most eligible, women in Europe. At the beginning… Continue reading The wedding of Princess Margaret of Connaught and Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden