“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
Tag: Victorian royals
Queen Victoria’s journal: The opening of the 1851 Great Exhibition, 1st May 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
Q&A with biographer, Ilana D Miller
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
Queen Victoria’s journal: the Queen and members of the royal family attend Mr Ginnett’s Circus, 1st June 1893
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
John Francis’s assination attempt on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, May 1842
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
Queen Victoria’s journal: Princess Alice attends her first Drawing-room, 7th May 1859
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
The life of Prince Leopold of Battenberg, later Lord Leopold Mountbatten
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
Queen Victoria’s journal: The laying of the foundation Stone of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital in Netley, 19th May 1856
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
The courtship of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
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
Queen Victoria’s journal: The inaugural ball at Buckingham Palace, 8th 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
Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Prince Harald of Schleswig-Holstein, 12th May 1876
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
Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, 27th April 1863
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