Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
Princess Maud in 1910 Source: Wikipedia “A fine morning — Walked down to the Mausoleum with the Dss of Roxburghe & drove back — Very busy with every sort of thing. — Leopold of B. arrived just before luncheon. Everything had gave off admirably, first, at bucking. ham Palace, where all the Addresses from the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Maud, 26th November 1869
On 24th October 1887, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle. Queen Victoria with Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, September 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust “Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887
“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
“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 tound under the window, in the llle diue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone tound… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for a second time, 10th October 1839
On 8th October 1905, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha married her second husband, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia. Princess Victoria Melita and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia in 1906Source: Wikimedia Commons The two cousins first met in 1891, while attending a family funeral. Before long, the two wished to marry. However, Victorias… Continue reading Princess Victoria Malta and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia
Like themselves, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert wanted their children to marry for love, as well as convenience. However, before their eldest child, Princess Victoria, had even left the schoolroom, it was decided that she would marry Prince Friedrich of Prussia, who was nine years her senior! The two first met in 1851 when Friedrich… Continue reading The courtship and engagement of Victoria, Princess Royal and Prince Friedrich of Prussia
At 6am on 26th February 1869, Princess Helena, fifth child of Queen Victoria, gave birth to her second child, Prince Albert, at Frogmore House in Windsor. At the time of his birth, Queen Victoria was staying at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. In her journal the Queen wrote that she was “most truly… Continue reading The life of Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein
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
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
“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