Queen Victoria's SCANDALOUS Affair With A Servant

Описание: Queen Victoria's SCANDALOUS Affair With A Servant

Throughout her lifetime, Queen Victoria faced significant sorrow and distress. Following the premature death of her husband, Prince Albert, she entered a prolonged period of mourning, consistently donning black attire as a mark of respect for her consort. This mourning attire persisted for the remainder of her life and extended for decades after his passing. Queen Victoria garnered widespread affection in Britain and is acknowledged as the grandmother of Europe. During her lengthy reign, she maintained a cadre of devoted servants, ready to fulfill her every request.
Known for her occasionally sharp tongue, Victoria had one particular servant who became the subject of much speculation. John Brown, the Queen's Scottish attendant, emerged as her favored companion. Despite facing disdain from some, including her heir, Edward VII, who perceived him as too informal, Brown provided great comfort to Victoria. While rumors circulated about a potentially serious and romantic relationship between Victoria and Brown, historical accounts vary on the nature of their connection.
Born in December 1826 in Aberdeenshire, John Brown initially worked as a Gillie at Balmoral Castle, leased and later purchased by Victoria and Prince Albert. His role evolved from an outdoor servant to a personal friend of Prince Albert. Following the prince's death, Brown assumed the position of the Queen's pony leader, affording him ample opportunities to converse with Victoria. Their relationship deepened, and Brown became a close friend and companion to the grieving Queen.
Victoria acknowledged Brown's dedication by awarding him two medals and commissioning a portrait, a gesture considered unconventional for a servant. Notably, Victoria also took time to sketch John Brown during her leisure moments, suggesting an underlying attraction. In addition to his companionship, Brown undertook practical responsibilities, such as brewing tea for the Queen's picnics, often with a dash of whisky.
One significant incident in October 1863 highlighted Brown's foresight and quick actions. During a carriage ride returning to Balmoral, the inebriated driver lost his way, leading to a crash on rough terrain. Brown, anticipating the danger, averted a potentially disastrous situation.

Following that, he swiftly jumped from the carriage, rescuing the Queen and her ladies. He then freed the frightened horses and instructed the driver to fetch ponies for their return on foot. Although the Queen sustained injuries and was severely shaken, John Brown's foresight prevented further harm.
During that period, there were numerous rumors surrounding Queen Victoria's connection with Brown. Some asserted that he held influence over the Queen. A Swiss newspaper even circulated a report claiming that the Queen was expecting a child with him, leading to widespread gossip. At the time, the notion of the Queen having a lover beneath her social standing, especially after her husband's death, was deemed scandalous. However, John Brown's loyalty to the Queen was rooted in service, setting him apart from many awe-struck or intimidated servants and staff.
In contrast to others, Brown exhibited a bold demeanor, occasionally speaking rudely to the Queen. If he disapproved of her attire, he would candidly express his opinion. Despite this brash manner, Victoria found it refreshing and welcomed the change. In 1872, during a carriage drive, a man with an unloaded pistol aimed it at the Queen, but Brown intervened, restraining the assailant until the police arrived.
Despite Brown's uncouth manner, most of the royal family disliked him, fueling speculation about a potential marriage between him and the Queen. A rumor circulated that one of the Queen's chaplains, on his deathbed, confessed to presiding over their alleged marriage. However, Brown's heavy drinking habits led to his death at the age of 56 at Windsor Castle on March 27, 1883.


In a letter to a Viscount regarding Brown's death, Victoria expressed profound fondness, describing their bond as "strong and true." She emphasized Brown's outstanding qualities, including strength of character, fearlessness, kindness, justice, honesty, independence, and unselfishness. Victoria mourned his loss deeply, comparing it to the grief she felt after Prince Albert's death. While there is no conclusive evidence of a physical relationship between Victoria and Brown, historians have speculated on the matter.

Victoria herself wrote extensively about Brown's character, describing him as the "best, truest heart that ever beat." She emphasized his unwavering devotion, courage, and selflessness, mourning the irreparable loss of his comfort in her daily life. A statue at Balmoral stands as a tribute to his memory, although it's noteworthy that many memorials and statues commissioned by Victoria for Brown were destroyed by her son, who harbored resentment towards him.