Young Victoria

A new book explores Queen Victoria's childhood, offering new insights into one of the most celebrated but often misunderstood monarchs in British history. It includes portraits, diaries, clothing, jewelry, and correspondence, and challenges the myth of a childhood characterized by sadness and isolation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2019
Publisher: Yale University Press

This captivating and meticulously researched book delves into the formative years of one of the most iconic British monarchs, Queen Victoria (1819-1901). A treasure trove of information, including numerous previously unseen sources and unpublished photographs, illuminates the early life of the queen. Portraits of the princess, childhood diaries, sketchbooks, clothing, jewelry, and correspondence are included in this comprehensive volume.

Deirdre Murphy skillfully paints a vivid portrait of Victoria's early years. Among her most intriguing findings is the notion that the queen's personal mythology of a childhood marked by sadness and isolation is less accurate than commonly believed. Murphy vividly brings to life Victoria's personal relationships, encompassing her close but increasingly suffocating bond with her mother, the Duchess of Kent, the controlling influence of Sir John Conroy, a man she grew to despise, and her courtship with Prince Albert. Additionally, lesser-known figures such as Victoria's first schoolmaster, the Reverend George Davys, her governess, Louise Lehzen, and her half-sister, Feodora, are explored. This diverse cast of characters adds depth and complexity to our understanding of Victoria, portraying her as both willful and submissive, fickle and affectionate, and possessing the fiery temper of her Hanoverian ancestors.

Published in association with Historic Royal Palaces, this captivating book is part of an exhibition schedule at Kensington Palace. The exhibition will be open from May 24 to December 2019, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the early life of Queen Victoria and gain a deeper appreciation for one of the most celebrated but often misunderstood monarchs in British history.

Weight: 1130g
Dimension: 203 x 264 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300238877