Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
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
With an extreme lack of rehearsal, a falling Lord and a picnic at the alter, Queen Victoria’s £79,000 Coronation certainly didn’t go as smoothly as you might expect. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore Queen Victoria’s Coronation hiccups. ‘The Coronation of Queen Victoria in Westminster Abbey, 28 June 1838’ by Sir George Hayter, dated… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Coronation fails
“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
On 13th June 1851, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hosted a Stuart themed costume ball in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria's Costume for the Stuart Ball, designed by Eugene-Louis Lami, 1851Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III Inspired by the court of King Charles II, the Stuart ball was the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s Stuart ball dress
“A very oppressive morning. Out, in the garden. - Again in the afternoon, we were some time with Winterhalter. Afterwards we drove out with the 3 girls, but were obliged to keep the carriage closed, as it rained. - We dined together early, & then began dressing for our Bal Costumè. Our dresses, & Charles's… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The Stuart Ball, 13th June 1851
“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
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
On 19th May 1856, Queen Victoria lay the foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria (Military) Hospital in Netley. Queen Victoria laying the Foundation Stone of the Royal Military Hospital at Netley,19 May 1856 by William SimpsonRoyal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III ‘Still very windy, though an improvement on yesterday. - Started at… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital in Netley, 19th May 1856
On 8th May 1856, the new Ballroom at Buckingham Palace opened with an inaugural ball. The throne room was designed by Sir James Pennethorne, with Ludwig Gruner supervising the Italian Renaissance inspired interior decoration. “The same cold, windy weather. We got out for a short walk. - Sitting to Winterhalter. - Lunched earlier & dressed, 'en… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The inaugural ball at Buckingham Palace, 8th May 1856
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