on this day, Osborne House, Queen Victoria

An elephant at Osborne: King John of Abyssinia’s unusual gift to Queen Victoria

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

Buckingham Palace, on this day, Osborne House, Prince Albert, Victorian events

“The white sails of the yachts had such a charming effect” : Queen Victoria and Cowes Week

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

Queen Victoria, Royal Jewellery

The death of Princess Beatrice of Battenberg, 26th October 1944

On 26th October 1944, Princess Beatrice, youngest child of Queen Victoria, passed away aged 87 at Brantridge Park in West Sussex. Queen Victoria and Princess Beatrice, May 1879© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust Devoted to her mother, Beatrice rarely left the Queens side; even during her marriage to Prince Henry of… Continue reading The death of Princess Beatrice of Battenberg, 26th October 1944

Victorian events

A royal legacy: Princess Beatrice’s Isle of Wight Museum

Tucked inside the ominous walls of Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight is a small, independent museum, which is bursting with royal connections. From the imprisonment of King Charles I in 1647 to toys from your childhood, the museum is a great place to visit this summer. But do you know how the museum… Continue reading A royal legacy: Princess Beatrice’s Isle of Wight Museum