This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

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Prince Albert

Sir Charles Beaumont Phipps (1801–66)

Born on 27 December 1801, Phipps was the son of Henry Phipps, 1st Earl of Mulgrave and Martha Sophia Maling. He accepted a post as Prince Albert’s Treasurer in October 1849 and worked closely alongside Albert during the planning and organisation of the Great Exhibition.

Following Albert’s death, Phipps acted as Victoria’s private secretary. Queen Victoria wrote to her uncle on 20 December 1861, describing her grief and the grief of her Household. In this letter she wrote of Phipp's steadfast devotion to her:

As for my own personal servants - poor Phipps in particular - nothing can be more devoted - heartbroken as they are...

RA VIC/MAIN/Y/107/28

 

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