Victoria and John Brown

Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and John Brown (1826–1883) had a complex and close relationship, which became the subject of much speculation and interest during their lifetimes. Queen Victoria, the monarch of the United Kingdom for over 63 years, was a deeply private person, particularly after the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. Her grief following Albert's death led her to withdraw from public life, and it was during this period that John Brown, a Scottish servant, entered her life.

John Brown was a gillie (a servant or attendant) at Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s residence in Scotland. He became a trusted companion and confidant to Queen Victoria, particularly after her widowhood. Their relationship was often described as unusually close, with Brown being a loyal and somewhat dominant figure in her life. Some rumors and speculations suggested that their bond might have been romantic, though there is no definitive evidence to confirm this.

Despite the whispers, Queen Victoria remained fiercely protective of Brown. He was known for his straightforward manner and his refusal to bow to the traditional formalities of royal life, which endeared him to the queen. Brown’s presence at court was often a point of contention, as members of the royal family and others in the British establishment were uncomfortable with his close relationship with the queen. In 1883, John Brown died of pneumonia, which caused Queen Victoria immense sorrow. She mourned his death deeply, and many believe that he was one of the few people she truly trusted and relied upon after the loss of Prince Albert.

The relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown has been a subject of much historical curiosity and was the inspiration for various works of fiction, including films and books.