Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980054.bf As we prepare to enter December, let’s take a look at a wintery sketch by Queen Victoria, which depicts the gardens at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight during a snowstorm on 10th March 1847. In her journal the Queen writes that… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 23
Did you know that the United Kingdom’s first ever theme park was on the Isle of Wight? Did you also know that Queen Victoria visited its very first attraction? On 24th August 1853, Queen Victoria left her Isle of Wight home, Osborne House, and embarked on “another very pretty tour, round part of this dear… Continue reading A royal curiosity: Queen Victoria and the Blackgang whale
For Queen Victoria, Wednesday 20th August 1884 began like any other. The morning was “splendid, but very hot” as she took breakfast under a tree at her beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Then, at 11:30 she received the news that the Abyssinian envoys had arrived with gifts from King John of Abyssinia.… Continue reading An elephant at Osborne: King John of Abyssinia’s unusual gift to Queen Victoria
Just as we have been experiencing recently, the 17th August 1899 had been a ‘very hot’ day on the Isle of Wight; and like any other summers day spent at her summer residence, Osborne House, Queen Victoria took tea with her granddaughter, Princess Helena Victoria “Thora” of Schleswig-Holstein. However, this day wasn’t the same as… Continue reading Queen Victoria attends a fête at Carisbrooke Castle, 17th August 1899
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
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Queen Victoria was unexpectedly faced with a crocodile? Born at the Crown Prince’s Palace in Berlin on 10th February 1868, Prince Waldemar of Prussia was the sixth child of Crown Prince Friedrich of Prussia and his wife, Princess Victoria. From a young age, Waldemar proved to be… Continue reading Queen Victoria vs Bob the crocodile
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
“This was a terrible day, but one never to be forgotten! It dawned very dull & dark & unfortunately unlike yesterday, remained dull & dreary, & there was once or twice a little drizzle. — Slept fairly well, but awoke dreading what was before us. — Edward Weimar, Franz Teck & Dolly & Ernest Leiningen… Continue reading Queen Victorias Journal: The funeral of Henry of Battenberg, 5th February 1896
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
Princess Louise at Windsor castle on 7th March to commemorate her confirmation©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A beautiful morning. — Felt very low when I walk, thinking, & praying for our beloved fatherless Child, who was today to take upon herself her Baptismal vows. — At a little before 12 started… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Princess Louise, 21st January 1865
Queen Victoria by Carl Rudolph Sohn, dated 1883 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III "Had a good night, & could take some breakfast better. - There was a dense fog & no ships could cross. Took an hour's drive at ½ p. 2 with Lenchen. It was very foggy, but the air… Continue reading The final journals of Queen Victoria – part 14, 12th January 1901:
Queen Victoria by Heinrich Von Angeli, dated 1875©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III 2024 "A better night, but felt very tired. - Out in the garden chair after 1, Lenchen Beatrice walking with me. Very fine & like spring. Went as far as Barton & back. Felt so weary that I did… Continue reading The final journals of Queen Victoria – part 13, 11th January 1901: