Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
On 5th April 1860, the confirmation of Queen Victoria's second son, Prince Alfred, took place at Windsor Castle. Prince Alfred at his confirmation, April 1860 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “Saw dear Affie for a moment. He did not come to breakfast. — Afterwards we walked with the visitors, Alice, Bertie &… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Alfred, 5th April 1860
“A very fine morning. - After breakfast began writing a letter & then went on deck. We landed at the Victoria Wharf at ½ p. 11, being received by Ld & LY Cadogan, Arthur, Louischen & their children, also by Ld Dufferin & Ld Meath. We 3 wore bunches of real shamrocks, & my bonnet… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Her final arrival in Ireland, 4th April 1900
“Dearest Uncle, -I hasten to announce to you that yesterday our dear young couple here were engaged, and that we are all very happy. Louis was spoken to yesterday on our return from Aldershot by Albert, who told him he would have an opportunity of speaking to Alice and this opportunity he took last night… Continue reading Letter from Queen Victoria to King Leopold I Of Belgium on the engagement of Princess Alice and Prince Louis of Hesse
On 1st April 1858, the confirmation of Queen Victoria's eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, took place at Windsor Castle. “A showery, raw morning. — Bertie came to wish me good morning, before breakfasting alone in his room. Our visitors came to breakfast. All the other Children looked for Easter eggs. —… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The confirmation of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII), 1st April 1858
On 31st March 1869, Prince Albert, son of Princess Helena and grandson of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle Prince Albert in 1869©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “A bright morning. — After breakfast went to wish Aunt Cambridge good morning, then drove with Baby down to… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein, 31st March 1869
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
Queen Victoria opening the Royal Albert Hall Source: Public Domain “Very dull, & very raw & cold. - Ernest C. Arthur & Beatrice breakfasted with me. — At a little after 12, started in 9 dress closed carriages (mine with a pair creams) for the Albert Dall, for its opening. I drove with dear Alix… Continue reading Queen Victorias Journal: The opening of the Royal Albert Hall, 29th March 1871
On 28th March 1884, Prince Leopold, youngest son of Queen Victoria, died aged 30, at Villa Nevada, Cannes, France “Another awful blow has fallen upon me & all of us today. My beloved Leopold, that bright, clever son, who had so many times recovered from such fearful illness, & from various small accidents, has been… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Prince Leopold, 28th March 1884
On 27th March 1879, Prince Waldemar, son of Princess Victoria and grandson of Queen Victoria, died aged 11, at New Palace, Potsdam, Prussia. “Got up, feeling rested. — Received a telegram, which on opening, I found to my unbounded grief & horror, to contain the terrible words: "Have just taken a last look at the… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The death of Prince Waldemar of Prussia, 27th March 1879
On 26th March 1883, Princess Alice of Albany, daughter of Prince Leopold and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was baptised in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. Princess Alice in March 1884©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “George C.'s birthday. — Had not a good night. — Poor Brown no better, in fact… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The christening of Princess Alice of Albany, 26th March 1883
On 25th March 1861, Victoire, Duchess of Kent, mother of Queen Victoria, was buried at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. The Duchess of Kent by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, dated 1857 ©️ Royal Collection Trust / HM King Charles III “The dreaded day had come at last! It was gloomy, with a drizzling rain, but it cleared… Continue reading Queen Victorias Journal: The funeral of the Duchess of Kent, 25th March 1861
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