The Mysterious Aftermath: Queen Victoria's Decision to Never Remarriage

Queen Victoria's decision to never remarry after the death of her beloved Prince Albert has long been a subject of speculation. It prompts the question: Is there a definitive answer as to why she made this choice? Often, historical theories suggest political and personal reasons. In this article, we explore some of the theories surrounding Queen Victoria's choice, drawing parallels with the enigmatic figure of Elizabeth I. We also shed light on her relationship with John Brown and the scandal that followed.

Political and Personal Reasons for Avoiding Marriage

The fate of Queen Elizabeth I serves as an intriguing parallel to Queen Victoria. In Alison Weir's book, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," the reasons for Elizabeth I's decision to remain unmarried are expanded upon. There were significant political reasons for her to avoid marriage. Under her sister Mary I, the disastrous union with Philip II of Spain imposed an unwelcome foreign influence on English politics, leading to conflict and controversy. The English population was generally opposed to the idea of a Queen taking a foreign husband, especially a Catholic one, and there was a fear that marriage to a domestic peer could similarly lead to internal strife.

Simultaneously, Elizabeth I's reluctance to marry was rooted in her fear of losing her autonomy as the Queen. This fear was a closely guarded secret. Some writers have speculated that Elizabeth was too scared or incapable of consummating a marriage due to flimsy evidence, but it is more likely that she feared childbirth, as evidenced by the tragic loss of her stepmothers, grandmother, and acquaintances during childbirth.

The Case of Queen Victoria and John Brown

Queen Victoria's reluctance to remarry was also due to personal and political reasons, closely tied to her long marriage to Prince Albert. When Albert died, Victoria had been queen for 24 years, married for 21 years, and had given birth to 9 children, 8 of whom were unmarried. The public mourning and her isolation during this period left many questioning the relevance of the monarchy. Would a new suitor like the ghillie John Brown have been acceptable? The answer is clear: the British public would not have tolerated it. Victorians valued respectability and propriety, and a marriage to a commoner like John Brown would have been scandalous.

Victoria did marry her lover John Brown in a private ceremony, believed to have been held in a small chapel on her estate at Balmoral. The Rev. Norman McLeod, her personal chaplain, conducted the ceremony. Brown was allowed to share a bedchamber with the Queen, a fact that scandalized the public. Her daughters referred to Brown as "Mama’s Lover." Despite the private nature of the marriage, Victoria erected a statue on her estate, giving it equal prominence to one of Albert's. Curiously, this statue was later removed by Edward VII after Victoria's death, hidden from public view.

The marriage certificate itself is believed to have been burnt, and any evidence of the actual marriage may remain hidden in the National Archives. Due to the sensitivity of such royal secrets, it is unlikely that such documents will ever be made public while the monarchy exists.

Conclusion

Queen Victoria's decision to never remarry was deeply rooted in a combination of political and personal factors. Like Queen Elizabeth I, she feared the loss of her autonomy and the political fallout that could result from an unsuitable marriage. Her long and tragic marriage to Prince Albert left her with a heavy heart and a profound sense of isolation. The scandalous relationship with John Brown further complicated her decision. While there may never be a definitive answer, it is clear that her decision was influenced by a complex interplay of personal and societal pressures.