3 Royal Scandals Involving Queen Victoria

Even the best monarchs were controversial

A painting of Queen Victoria by Heinrich von Angeli, 1875 (Wikimedia Commons)

Queen Victoria is one of the most well-known monarchs in British history. Her lengthy reign encompassed many events, ranging from diplomatic triumphs to sorrowful tragedies.

And while there have been plenty of British monarchs who left behind much darker legacies than Victoria, she still experienced several scandals throughout her lifetime.

1. The Flora Hastings Scandal

A painting of Lady Flora Hastings by an unknown artist, c. 1830–1840 (Wikimedia Commons)

Lady Flora Hastings was a childhood acquaintance of Victoria and a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Kent, Victoria’s mother.

In 1839, Flora started to experience pain and swelling in her abdomen. The queen noticed Flora’s enlarged stomach and assumed she was pregnant. Victoria believed Sir John Conroy, a close companion of the Duchess of Kent, was the father.

In addition to Victoria’s catty remarks about the situation, London society seethed with rumours about Flora’s appearance. Victoria then insisted that Flora be examined by a doctor.