Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Setting the scene

The Isle of Wight was a great favourite with Queen Victoria. When she married Prince Albert in 1840 she determined to buy a home there. 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot' she wrote after visiting Osborne House. 'We have a charming beach quite to ourselves – we can walk anywhere without being followed or mobbed'. The house was re-built under the personal direction of Prince Albert. It was to be the country home where she, the Prince Consort and their children could enjoy a private family life.