Features

Queen Victoria’s winter sledge became synonymous with the Windsor Christmas, at least during the lifetime of Prince Albert, who is rightly credited with popularising Christmas traditions in England, including that of the Christmas tree. The royal trees were decorated with coloured wax candles, sweets, toys and artificial snow, whilst the gifts exchanged by the Royal Family were gathered beneath…

Queen Victoria’s beloved residence at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, was the place where she spent her final Christmas.Built in the style of an Italianate villa, Osborne House was purchased in March 1845 and was bought together with its estate of approximately 1,000 acres. The original house was demolished and a new foundation stone laid on 23 June 1845, the design having been done by…