Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
“This day is one of the greatest & most glorious days of our lives, with which, to my pride & joy the name of my dearly beloved Albert is for ever associated it is a day which makes my heart swell with thankfulness. We began the day with tenderest greetings & congratulations on the birthday… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the 1851 Great Exhibition, 1st May 1851
On 1st June 1893, Queen Victoria and members of her family attended Mr Ginnett's Circus in a field close to the River Dee in Scotland. The attended again on 19th June. “Showery, but not cold. — Breakfast, as always with dear Marie & Sandra (who is a charming girl) — Out with them. — After… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: the Queen and members of the royal family attend Mr Ginnett’s Circus, 1st June 1893
While Victoria and Albert rode in an open carriage after their Sunday service at St James’s Palace on 29th May 1842, Prince Albert noticed a “little, swarthy, ill-looking rascal” standing along the mall. He watched as the man held up a pistol and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the gun failed to go off. He then… Continue reading John Francis’s assination attempt on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, May 1842
On 7th May 1859, Queen Victoria’s third child, Princess Alice, attended her first Drawing-Room at St James’ Palace. Princess Alice dressed for her first Drawing-room by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, dated 1859 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III ‘… - Early luncheon & dressing for Drawingroom, to which Alice went for the 1rst… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Alice attends her first Drawing-room, 7th May 1859
According to Queen Victoria’s journal, at ‘10 m. past 2’ on 21st May 1889, Princess Beatrice of Battenberg ‘gave birth to a fine large Bay’ at Windsor Castle ‘without any difficulty’. Prince Leopold (left) and his brother, Prince Maurice, in April 1895Royal Collection Trust/ ©️ HM King Charles III Known as ‘Leo’ by his family… Continue reading The life of Prince Leopold of Battenberg, later Lord Leopold Mountbatten
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 26th April 1866, the confirmation of Prince Arthur, seventh child of Queen Victoria, took place at Dt Mildred’s Church, Whippingham, Isle of Wight. “Very fine warm. — Took a short drive in the small pony phaeton with Lenchen. Resting, when I came in. — Shortly before 12 drove with Arthur to Whippingham Church, the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Arthur, 26th April 1866
On 25th April 1885, the confirmation of Prince Ernst Louis, son of Princess Alice and grandson of Queen Victoria, took place at New Palace Darmstadt. “A day of great emotions. Dear beloved Alice's birthday & her darling boy to be confirmed, & 1rst grandchild, christened. But she not there to see it! — Irène breakfasted… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Ernst Louis of Hesse and by Rhine, 25th April 1885
On 6th April 1871, Prince Alexander John, son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria, was born at Sandringham House, Norfolk. Sadly he died the following day. 6th April “Very bright & sunny, but a very cold wind. — Went out with Leopold & enquired for Toward at Barton,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth and death of Prince Alexander John of Wales, 6th & 7th April 1871
Queen Victoria’s Strawberry Leaf Tiara Queen Victoria’s ruby and diamond bandeau was designed by Prince Albert and made by Joseph Kitching in 1844. In 1848, the piece was altered by Garrard’s (the court jeweller) and again in 1860, when ‘Strawberry leaves, scrolls and Rubies‘ were added. From then, it became known as the Strawberry Leaf… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Strawberry Leaf Tiara