Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
Christmas at Osborne House, 20th November 2025 © Shannon McInulty / Queen.Victoria.Roses Christmas had always been a special time for Queen Victoria as a child; with decorated trees, sugary treats, lavish gifts and trips to the theatre. However, Christmas 1840 was much more poignant as she was no longer the ‘unmarried girl’ who had spent… Continue reading 1840: Queen Victoria’s first Christmas as a wife and mother
1st August 1842 Queen Victoria was involved in an accident, which almost changed the British Monarchy forever, when she was thrown from her horse while out riding at Windsor
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
On 24th October 1887, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, daughter of Princess Beatrice and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born at Balmoral Castle. Queen Victoria with Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, September 1897 ©️ Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust “Was up in the night with my poor Beatrice, who was very… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: The birth of Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, 24th October 1887
“Thursday, October 10. - Got up at ½ p.10 and saw to my astonishment that a stone or rather 2 stones had been thrown at my dressing room window and 2 glasses broke; the stone was found under the window, in the little blue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for the second time, 10th October 1839
“Thursday, October 10.- Got up at ½ p.10 and saw to my astonishment that a stone or rather 2 stones had been thrown at my dressing room window and 2 glasses broke; the stone was tound under the window, in the llle diue room next the audience room another window broken and the stone tound… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s journal: Victoria and Albert meet for a second time, 10th October 1839
On 8th October 1905, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha married her second husband, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia. Princess Victoria Melita and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia in 1906Source: Wikimedia Commons The two cousins first met in 1891, while attending a family funeral. Before long, the two wished to marry. However, Victorias… Continue reading Princess Victoria Malta and Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia
Like themselves, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert wanted their children to marry for love, as well as convenience. However, before their eldest child, Princess Victoria, had even left the schoolroom, it was decided that she would marry Prince Friedrich of Prussia, who was nine years her senior! The two first met in 1851 when Friedrich… Continue reading The courtship and engagement of Victoria, Princess Royal and Prince Friedrich of Prussia
At 6am on 26th February 1869, Princess Helena, fifth child of Queen Victoria, gave birth to her second child, Prince Albert, at Frogmore House in Windsor. At the time of his birth, Queen Victoria was staying at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. In her journal the Queen wrote that she was “most truly… Continue reading The life of Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein
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
Wellington College Cricket XI with Prince Christian Victor (seated, centre) as CaptainSource: wellingtoncollegehistory.co.uk Growing up at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor, Prince Christian Victor - eldest child of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein- would regularly play cricket with other local children. Despite beginning his formal education, the Prince continued playing the sport throughout his… Continue reading A royal sportsman: Prince Christian Victor and cricket