Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
Recognised as one of the greatest icons of the nineteenth century, Florence Nightingale was a leading voice in establishing modern nursing. Through her selfless work, Miss Nightingale found herself acquainted with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were great admirers of her efforts to improve the conditions of injured and sick men during the Crimean… Continue reading Influencing the royals: Florence Nightingale and the Royal Family
On 11th May 1900, Queen Victoria hosted her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace. In her journal she wrote: Queen Victoria's last Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, dated 1900 by Max Cowper. RCIN 923457 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust “A fine day. — Arthur, Louischen, & their girls breakfasted with us.… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Queen Victoria hosts her final Drawing-Room at Buckingham Palace, 11th May 1900
On the 7th April 1839, Queen Victoria found herself defending the novel ‘Oliver Twist’ against the criticism of her Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, who complained that it’s “debasing style” and use of slang was like a “beggars opera”. As the conversation continued, Melbourne went on to say that he didn’t like “workhouses and coffin makers,… Continue reading Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne get their knickers in an ‘Oliver Twist’ over Charles Dickens’ classic novel
On 23rd November 1887, Princess Victoria Eugénie, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was christened at Balmoral Castle. “[…] The ceremony was at 1, & was performed by Dr Lees. We sat on either side of the font, I, with those who represented the sponsors, viz: the Dss of Roxburghe for Vicky,… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 23rd November 1887
With a successful military career that lead to him becoming aide-de-camp to the King, it’s no surprise that Prince Arthur of Connaught was reluctant to marry. However, as one of the only unmarried grandsons of Queen Victoria, Arthur found himself faced with countless European suitors. On of the rumoured suitors was Princess Irina Alexandrovna of… Continue reading The wedding of Prince Arthur of Connaught and Princess Alexandra, Duchess of Fife
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
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
Group photograph taken in June 1859. From left to right: Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders; Princess Alice; Prince Albert; Duke of Oporto; Queen Victoria (seated); Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; and Leopold I of Belgium. ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A sad, sad blow, which has long been impending, has at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of King Leopold I of Belgium, 10th December 1865
Upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Princess Louise found herself welcomed as part of her brother - the new King Edward VII’s - court. In her mother’s will Louise had inherited Kent House on the Isle of Wight and it was between here, London and Scotland that Louise spent the majority of her… Continue reading The final years of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll
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 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