Queen Victoria's Humor: Beyond 'We Are Not Amused'
Queen Victoria's famous comment, 'We are not amused,' has become a part of British lore. However, this phrase has often been taken out of context, painting a picture of a stern and unamused monarch. In reality, Queen Victoria had a rich and varied sense of humor, often finding amusement in situations far from the serious image that history brings to mind.
The "We Are Not Amused" Misconception
The alleged story behind Queen Victoria's "We are not amused" remark involves a moment when her sons were bullying a youth with Down's Syndrome. The Queen, upon reproaching them, quipped, 'WE are not amused.' This is often how the story is told, but as it turns out, the phrase was not as serious as it might seem at first glance. In reality, it came as part of a story told at the breakfast table about a music hall act called 'Le Petomaine.' The act involved sound effects, which young Bertie mimicked to great progeny.
Cases of Queen Victoria's Amused Side
To illustrate the real side of Queen Victoria's personality, let's look at another story. During a formal dinner, a hard-of-hearing elderly naval officer continued to talk about his ship. Queen Victoria, hoping to switch the conversation, asked, 'And how's your dear wife as admiral?' The officer, still thinking of the ship, responded, 'She's fine, but she'll be even better when we turn her over and scrape the barnacles off her bottom!' This led to a great burst of laughter. Victoria's humor extended beyond palace walls, and she had a keen sense of humor that could light up even the dullest moments.
Queen Victoria's Joyful Nature
Queen Victoria's love for laughter was so profound that her life was filled with joy and mirth. Her granddaughters also recall instances where Victoria was delighted by jokes and stories. In a television interview in the 1970s, one of her granddaughters admitted, 'Queen Victoria never said, "We are not amused." ' This exclamation brings to light the misconception about the Queen's serious demeanor.
A famous anecdote tells of a visit to Balmoral where the Queen came across a 'bustle' (a petticoat extender). As everyone claimed not to own it, the situation led to laughter all around. This tale, and many others, show that even as a widow and a surviving spouse, Queen Victoria was often amused and found joy in simple, silly moments.
Further Reading and References
For those interested in exploring more, there is a book titled 'Queen Victoria Was Amused' by Alan Hardy, which compiles numerous stories about the Queen's sense of humor. Though out of print, second-hand copies are available in online marketplaces. This book offers a deeper insight into the real personality behind the historical figure of Queen Victoria.
Popular References
It's worth noting that there are several popular references to Queen Victoria's humor. One of them is a famous photograph of Jacqui McShee, lead singer of Pentangle, who bears a striking resemblance to the young Queen Victoria, bringing a smile to many faces.