History Extra Podcast: Queen Victoria's Secret Love Affair
Release Date: July 31, 2025

In this compelling episode of the History Extra podcast, host Ellie Cawthorn engages in an in-depth conversation with historian Fearne Riddell about her groundbreaking research detailed in the new book, Victoria's Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen. The episode delves into the enigmatic relationship between Queen Victoria and her Highland servant, John Brown, unveiling secrets that have been obscured for over a century.

1. Introduction to the Enigmatic Relationship

Ellie Cawthorn opens the discussion by highlighting the long-standing rumors surrounding Queen Victoria and John Brown. These speculations question whether their relationship was merely platonic or something more profound, possibly even leading to marriage and a secret child.

Ellie Cawthorn [01:26]: "Were the pair in love? Could they have got married? And might they even have had a secret child?"

2. Contextualizing Queen Victoria and John Brown

Fearne Riddell provides essential background on Queen Victoria's emotional state following the death of her husband, Prince Albert. She introduces John Brown as a devoted Highland servant who became Victoria's close companion during her years of mourning.

Fearne Riddell [02:09]: "We meet Victoria when she's just lost Albert, who we believe has been the love of her life. And she's devastated and grieving, and this strapping, handsome Highland servant... steps into her life and becomes her constant companion for the next 20 years."

3. Unveiling the Secret Archive

Riddell recounts her investigative journey to uncover the true nature of Victoria and Brown's relationship. She discovered references to a secret archive held by Brown's descendants, which contained letters and documents previously unseen by historians.

Fearne Riddell [05:29]: "I couldn't believe that as a Victorianist, I didn't know about them. Why weren't we talking about them?"

4. Revealing the Intimate Correspondence

The historian unveils letters found in an Aberdeen archive that reveal Victoria's deep affection for Brown. These letters depict a relationship far more intimate than previously acknowledged, challenging the long-held perception of Brown merely as a devoted servant.

Fearne Riddell [12:35]: "These incredibly moving, very intimate revelations were in these letters. So that was the first indication to me that the family archive was in fact real and held tangible evidence."

5. The Possibility of an Irregular Marriage

Riddell explores the concept of an irregular marriage under Scottish law, which could have allowed Victoria and Brown to marry discreetly. She argues that such a union would align with the evidence found and Victoria's unwavering commitment to Brown.

Fearne Riddell [19:58]: "They may have got married... irregular marriage is recognized in Scottish law... it's simply an exchange of vows... you are married in the eyes of God and in Scottish law."

6. The Tantalizing Evidence of a Secret Child

The conversation takes a riveting turn as Riddell discusses the possibility of a child born from the union between Victoria and Brown. She shares an anecdote about a descendant from Brown's family who confirmed family lore about a secret child, adding another layer to the mystery.

Fearne Riddell [28:05]: "There was a baby given to the family, there was a big long boat ride and that's who we're descended from, is the child of John Brown and Queen Victoria we were always told there was a love affair."

7. Suppression and Loss of Historical Records

Riddell details the efforts made by Victoria's family and government to suppress information about her relationship with Brown. This suppression led to the loss and destruction of vital records, perpetuating myths and obscuring the truth for generations.

Fearne Riddell [35:15]: "Victoria wanted to write a book about John and about their relationship... Unfortunately, with John's death, Victoria's protector in court is gone. And she's met with a huge amount of resistance from her government and her ministers and her court."

8. Implications for Historical Understanding

The episode underscores the significance of Riddell's findings in reshaping the narrative around Queen Victoria. By revealing her passionate relationship with Brown, Riddell aims to restore Victoria's womanhood and provide a more nuanced understanding of her personal life.

Fearne Riddell [37:57]: "I really hope that what this does is alter people's understanding of Victoria's midlife. We think of her as this prudish widow who just grieved forever. And actually, she was incredibly passionate."

9. Future Research and Possibilities

Riddell expresses optimism about the potential for future discoveries, particularly through advancements in DNA technology, which might eventually confirm the existence of a secret child. She emphasizes that, regardless of this possibility, the core of Victoria and Brown's relationship as revealed remains a transformative revelation.

Fearne Riddell [34:04]: "I remain very hopeful in the future that while I believe Victoria and John and I've proved this beautiful love affair, and I certainly believe they got married, if we get an answer on a child, whether it's true or false, it doesn't change any of that."

Conclusion

Fearne Riddell's meticulous research challenges centuries-old perceptions of Queen Victoria, presenting a narrative of love and partnership that has been hidden from history. This episode not only sheds light on a pivotal yet concealed aspect of Victoria's life but also invites listeners to reconsider the complexities of historical figures behind established monarchical images.

For those intrigued by Fearne's discoveries and eager to delve deeper, her book Victoria's Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen offers an extensive exploration of this historic love affair. Additional features and resources on Queen Victoria can be found on the History Extra website.

Notable Quotes:

• Fearne Riddell [11:25]: "The evidence that there is of John and Victoria's relationship and her relationship with his family is absolutely overwhelming. And we certainly can no longer claim that they were just friends."

• Fearne Riddell [15:40]: "Victoria refers to John as dear, dear John, beloved John, darling one. You know, this is not a language that she uses for anyone apart from Albert, her own children."

• Fearne Riddell [25:13]: "Victoria went to her grave wearing John's mother's wedding ring."

This episode, produced by Lewis Dobbs, offers a transformative perspective on Queen Victoria, emphasizing the profound personal bonds that shaped her reign and legacy.