Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980024.ee For this week’s Sketchbook Saturday let’s take a look at this intimate sketch by Queen Victoria, which shows her fifth child, Princess Helena, in April 1857. Over the previous few days Queen Victoria had been ‘plagued with a bad throat & hoariness’ (1).… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 11
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
Out of all the royal children, sisters Princess Helena Victoria and Princess Marie Louise shared one of the closest bonds. Join me in today’s post as I take a look at their journey of living together! Following her divorce from Prince Aribert of Anhalt in 1900, Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein moved into 21 Queensberry… Continue reading Royal Housemates: Princesses Helena Victoria and Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein
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
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?
On 12th May 1876, Prince Harald, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. “A dull morning. — On getting up, heard that dear Lenchen had got a boy born at 1.30 after a severe time. — The Empress & Arthur at breakfast. — Just before I went… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 12th May 1876
Born at Windsor Castle on 14th April 1867, Prince Christian Victor was the eldest child of Princess Helena and her husband, Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. He was christened in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle on 21st May, when he received the names Christian Victor Albert Louis Ernst Anton. His godparents included: Queen Victoria; Christian… Continue reading The life of Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein
Princess Helena and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, dated December 1865©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “These days 4 years ago, were all dreadfully anxious ones, & they are ever present to my mind. — Walked & drove will Lenchen, going to the Mausoleum. — Saw Mr Gladstone, who gave me a paper… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The engagement of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, 5th December 1865.
On this, Thursday 5th July 1866, Princess Helena married Prince Christian of Scleswig-Holstein in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. Prince Christian and Princess Helena, dated 5th July 1866©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “Was awake by the sound of the marriage bells, but felt very sad & much agitated. & Breakfasted… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal- The wedding of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, 5th July 1866:
On the 5th July 1866, Princess Helena, fifth child of Queen Victoria, married Prince Christian of Scleswig-Holstein in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle ‘The Marriage of Princess Helena, 5 July 1866’ by Christian Karl Magnussen, dated 1866-1869 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III While serving as her mothers private secretary, Helena… Continue reading The wedding of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein
At 4am on 25th May 1846, Queen Victoria was ‘taken ill’ at Buckingham Palace with her fifth labour. Eleven hours later, ‘a plump, good sized little girl was born’. The labour itself had been difficult for both mother and baby. In a letter, Albert described how the baby was born looking ‘quite blue’. She was… Continue reading The life of Princess Helena
On 21st May 1867, Prince Christian Victor, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. "Pouring with rain & very cold. - Had rather a bad head ache but rested quietly in my room. - At a little before 1 all assembled for the Christening… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Prince Christian Victor, 21st May 1867