The renowned and reserved monarch maintained a journal for most of her life, starting with her first diary gifted by her mother at the tender age of thirteen. The initial entry stated: This book, Mamma gave me, that I might write the journal of my journey to Wales in it. From that point onwards, she meticulously chronicled her remarkable life experiences until her passing in 1901, revealing intimate details and facets of her personality that were often concealed from the public eye.
Queen Victoria’s Hidden Passion
An Extract from Queen Victoria’s Journal. Source: Royal Collection Trust, London
Despite conforming to the Victorian stereotype of being stern, aloof, and irritable, the diaries unveil her humor, intellect, and complexity. Above all, they illuminate her profound love for her husband, Albert. Despite undergoing numerous revisions by her daughter and various close associates, the diaries subtly hint at her sensuality and romantic inclinations. On the night of their nuptials, Victoria expressed: We both went to bed; to lie by his side and in his arms, and on his dear bosom, and be called by names of tenderness, I have never heard used to me before — was bliss beyond belief! Oh!
While the Victorian era was not known for its openness about intimacy, Victoria and Albert shared a deeply fulfilling relationship, raising nine children together. Despite Victoria’s reputation as a reluctant mother, their union was prolific. Following the birth of their ninth child, the Royal Physician advised Victoria to cease bearing children, to which she humorously retorted, What? No more fun in bed?
Queen Victoria and Albert, captured in a rare moment of amusement. Source: History Extra
Her affectionate descriptions of Albert remained veiled within her diaries and their private sphere. She lauded his azure eyes, elegant nose, and charming mouth adorned with delicate mustaches and faint whiskers. Victoria also extolled his physique, broad shoulders, and slender waist in numerous diary entries. Once, she recounted: My dear Albert came in today from the rain; he looked so handsome in his white cashmere britches, with nothing on underneath.
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Albert and Victoria reputedly had a button installed in their bedroom at Buckingham Palace that could lock their door from their bed, enhancing their privacy. They exchanged daring gifts, including an erotic painting by artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter depicting nude women preparing to bathe. Albert, at one point, commissioned a marble sculpture of himself as a sensual Greek warrior as a gift for Victoria, later relocating it due to its perceived immodesty.
Queen Victoria surrounded by her ten offspring. Source: History Extra
Upon Albert’s untimely demise at the age of forty-two, Victoria, in contrast to the customary year-long mourning period, chose to attire herself in perpetual mourning attire for the remainder of her life. For the initial four years following his passing, she withdrew from public engagements, secluding herself within Buckingham Palace. Her unwavering dedication to mourning set a precedent for mourning customs and attire that endures to this day.
The Controversy of Abdul
Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim at Buckingham Palace. Source: The New York Times
One of the most scandalous episodes in Queen Victoria’s private life revolved around her relationship with her Indian attendant, Abdul Karim. Introduced to Victoria prior to her Jubilee, Abdul’s presence sparked a lasting bond that endured until her demise in 1901. During a visit to her Isle of Wight residence, Karim impressed the Queen with his culinary skills, preparing chicken curry with dal and pilau. Victoria’s fondness for Abdul is subtly hinted at in her writings.
The controversy surrounding their relationship led to a deliberate erasure of Abdul from historical records by Victoria’s family. Her daughter, Beatrice, meticulously expunged any reference to Abdul from the Queen’s extensive diaries, leaving only subtle hints of his influence. Notably, Victoria mentioned learning Hindustani, a language associated with Abdul. All correspondence between them was destroyed, underscoring the secrecy shrouding their association.
Abdul Karim adorned in royal regalia, 1894. Source: British Library, London
Abdul’s subsequent deportation and dispossession of properties acquired from Victoria underscored the racial prejudices and jealousy prevalent within the Royal Household. The opulence bestowed upon Abdul, including the right to bear swords and receive medals, elicited envy and resentment. Victoria’s acknowledgment of racial bias and the treatment of the poor Munshi reflected the challenges faced by Abdul in a society rife with discrimination.
Over a century later, an astute art historian unraveled the obscured narrative of Victoria and Abdul, shedding light on their unconventional relationship and Victoria’s progressive mindset.
Queen Victoria’s Iconic Bridal Attire
Queen Victoria’s opulent wedding gown. Source: Town and Country Magazine
Upon ascending to the throne shortly after her eighteenth birthday, Victoria’s initial request as Queen was solitude for one hour. Despite her reputation for dry wit and occasional laughter, her demeanor often exuded haughtiness and rigidity. Raised in the strict confines of Kensington Palace, Victoria’s upbringing instilled in her a sense of duty and adherence to protocol.
Queen Victoria and Albert at Princess Victoria’s wedding, donning white attire. Source: Wikipedia
A notable instance of Victoria’s influence is her choice of wedding attire. Bucking tradition, she popularized the trend of white bridal gowns, donning a white satin dress embellished with Honiton lace, a Turkish diamond set, and Albert’s sapphire brooch. Her wedding customs, from the floral arrangements to the attire, set a standard for bridal ceremonies, with guests instructed to avoid white attire to accentuate her dress.
Watercolor depiction by Queen Victoria post-Princess Victoria’s wedding, 1858. Source: Royal Collection Trust, London
Victoria’s transition from her bridal gown to an evening ensemble is chronicled in her diaries, detailing a white silk gown trimmed with swan’s down and an orange flower-adorned bonnet. This transformative moment marked the genesis of enduring bridal trends.
Queen Victoria captured smiling in a portrait, 1886. Source: Royal Collection Trust, London
To safeguard the exclusivity of her wedding attire, Victoria ordered the destruction of all lace patterns and templates associated with her dresses and veils. This meticulous act ensured that her dress remained truly unique. The legacy of her white wedding gown endured, with her daughter Victoria emulating the style at her own wedding, a poignant testament to Queen Victoria’s enduring influence.