Queen Victoria's Humour

[Meanderer]

"There is a certain impression that
Queen Victoria did not have a sense
of humour. This is in fact false. The
impression was gained for three
primary reasons."

"Most of the pictures people see of the
Queen show her with a blank
expression. The first thing to
consider is that photography was still
in its infancy at the time. Camera
exposure times were long meaning
one had to keep still for extended
periods of time. Smiling was only good if you wanted a blurry
picture."

"The second consideration was that the Queen felt that if she
smiled in public the people might think her frivolous. She was
anxious to avoid this as she was unpopular during the early
part of her reign. In private she is said to have often "roared
with laughter". Indeed a photo from 1887 shows her to be in
much better spirits in public."
READ MORE

 

[JonSR77]

"There is a certain impression that
Queen Victoria did not have a sense
of humour. This is in fact false. The
impression was gained for three
primary reasons."

"Most of the pictures people see of the
Queen show her with a blank
expression. The first thing to
consider is that photography was still
in its infancy at the time. Camera
exposure times were long meaning
one had to keep still for extended
periods of time. Smiling was only good if you wanted a blurry
picture."

"The second consideration was that the Queen felt that if she
smiled in public the people might think her frivolous. She was
anxious to avoid this as she was unpopular during the early
part of her reign. In private she is said to have often "roared
with laughter". Indeed a photo from 1887 shows her to be in
much better spirits in public."
READ MORE

I was just reading some history about Abraham Lincoln. Apparently, after he was assassinated, Queen Victoria sent Mary Todd LIincoln, quite a moving letter of sympathy...and Mary Todd Lincoln wrote back in great gratitude.

 

[Jules]

In Canada the 24th of May weekend, aka Victoria Day, is a celebration of her birthday so we have a holiday today.

As kids we said,
“24th of May,
Queen’s Birthday,
if we don’t a holiday,
we’ll all run away.”

Often was followed by neighbourhood fireworks.

In Ontario, it was also known as the two four weekend, the official start of summer and cottages. Also beer is sold in packs of 24.

 

[Packerjohn]

If I had my way (which I don't) I would make sure that all nonessential businesses were closed and that everyone had a great weekend. Just like they used to "in the old days" before shopping 7 days/week came into vogue. We are a workaholic country and could use a real holiday; instead of the "make believe" holidays that we usually get. Of course, who am I to blow against the wind?

So, on with the strokes, the heart attacks and the philosophy that says, that the person that dies with the most toys is the winner!

 

[Bellbird]

There was far more to Queen Victoria than a stern face and stiff upper lip. in my opinion. Apparently she had a good sense of humour, husband Albert was the light of her life. She certainly grieved for him for the rest of her days.