Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust RCIN 980024.ax This week we’re looking at this intimate pencil, watercolour and ink sketch by Queen Victoria of her third and fourth children, Princess Alice and Prince Alfred. In her journal entry dated 20th September 1845, Queen Victoria writes that she "sketched Alice & Affie… Continue reading Sketchbook Saturday, week 21
On 9th March 1888, Crown Prince Friedrich of Prussia succeeded his father, Wilhelm I, as German Emperor and King of Prussia. However, Friedrich’s reign was overshadowed by his terminal battle with throat cancer, which tragically took his life just 99 days after he inherited his new role. Please be aware that some of the topics… Continue reading The 99 day Emperor: Friedrich III’s fight with cancer
During the First World War Princess Victoria Melita - daughter of Prince Alfred and granddaughter of Queen Victoria- worked as a nurse for the Red Cross and helped organise the motorised ambulance unit. When Victoria returned to St Petersburg in February 1917 following a trip to Romania, fears had began rising over the stability of… Continue reading The later life and death of Princess Victoria Melita
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
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
“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
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
Recently I asked my instagram followers to send in their questions for biographer Ilana D Miller. After a few weeks of preparation, I am excited to finally be able to share her answers! 1. What got you interested in Queen Victoria’s Hessian granddaughters? Many years ago, I was in a used book store in Santa… Continue reading Q&A with biographer, Ilana D Miller
Known for their extreme love, fiery arguments and tragic demise, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are one of history’s most iconic couples. But have you ever wondered where this famous love story began? If so, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to join me as I explore the courtship of Queen Victoria and Prince… Continue reading The courtship of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
On 27th April 1863, Princess Victoria of Hesse, eldest child of Princess Alice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. “Went over to see dear Alice, who was to keep quiet. — Took a short drive with the little Sardinian ponies, with her. Then went to look… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, 27th April 1863
On 20th March 1856, The confirmation of Victoria, Princess Royal, eldest child of Queen Victoria, took place in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. “A dull morning, early. — Our thoughts much occupied with today's ceremony! Vicky wished me good morning & stayed with me whilst I was dressing & then breakfasted in her own… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Princess Victoria, 20th March 1856
“Today it is a year, that I have been blessed by becoming the wife of my beloved Albert. What perfect happiness I have enjoyed since then! & how I pray it may continue. This anniversary must ever be the most precious one in my life. — Albert gave me a little brooch representing a cradle… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria, 10th February 1841