Few figures in British history are as deeply connected to the Isle of Wight as Her Majesty Queen Victoria. From her early visits as a young monarch to establishing Osborne House as her beloved summer retreat, the Island became a place of solace, inspiration and grandeur. Among the many places she frequented, The Royal Hotel in Ventnor held a special place in her heart, offering a glimpse into the refined traditions and literary connections that flourished during her reign.
In 1844, Queen Victoria first visited The Royal Hotel while en route to Steephill Castle. Drawn to its elegant charm and breathtaking coastal views, she soon became a regular guest, indulging in sandwiches, cakes and tea in the hotel’s beautiful gardens. This simple yet refined tradition would later evolve into what we now know as the quintessential afternoon tea, a custom enjoyed across Britain and beyond.
The Royal’s tranquil setting provided the perfect retreat for the Queen, allowing her to experience the Island’s mild climate and stunning natural beauty, something that continues to attract visitors to Ventnor today.
Following her marriage to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria fell even more deeply in love with the Isle of Wight. Together, they transformed Osborne House into their private summer residence, creating a sanctuary away from the demands of court life. The grand estate, inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, became a symbol of the Victorian elite, attracting nobility, artists and politicians from across Europe.
Osborne House was not merely a palace, it was a family home, where Victoria and Albert raised their children in a more relaxed environment. The Queen often wrote about the joy of their time spent walking along the beaches, sailing and enjoying the rolling countryside, activities that modern visitors still relish today.
The Royal Hotel was not only frequented by royalty but also by some of the greatest literary minds of the time. One particularly notable guest was Charles Dickens, who stayed at The Royal shortly after publishing Oliver Twist in 1838.
Dickens and Queen Victoria shared a deep mutual admiration. The Queen was enthralled by his writing, once declaring Oliver Twist “excessively interesting” despite being warned by her Prime Minister that she might find it too shocking. She even finished reading the novel on the eve of her wedding.
Dickens returned to the Isle of Wight in 1849, seeking a quiet refuge to work on David Copperfield. By then, he had become a global literary superstar, attracting attention wherever he went. His decision to retreat to the Isle of Wight, much like Queen Victoria, highlights the Island’s enduring appeal as a place of inspiration and escape.
With Osborne House as the Royal Family’s preferred retreat, the Isle of Wight quickly became a fashionable holiday destination for Victorian society. Nobility, writers and artists flocked to the Island, eager to experience the serenity and grandeur that Victoria so adored. The trend has never faded, today, visitors still come to soak in the history, beauty and warm Ventnor climate that captivated Queen Victoria nearly two centuries ago.
Queen Victoria’s influence on the Isle of Wight remains undeniable, and her connection to The Royal Hotel endures in its traditions, elegance and rich history. The very gardens where she once sipped tea continue to welcome guests, offering the same refined hospitality that made it a favourite of royalty, writers and travellers alike.
So, as you enjoy an afternoon tea at The Royal, take a moment to reflect on its origins, a royal tradition, born in Ventnor and cherished to this day.
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