The Royal Court of Victoria & Abdul
Who's who in Queen Victoria's circle
Around Queen Victoria revolved the royal court, a vibrant constellation of heirs, trusted advisors, personal servants, and politicians. At the top, of course, was the Queen, followed by those in line to the throne, most notably Prince Albert. Although Victoria was the Queen, she ruled England and the Empire in concert with her Prime Minister, the Lord of Salisbury. Her personal household included her private secretary, Sir Henry Ponsonby; her lady-in-waiting, Harriet Phipps; her personal physician, Dr. James Reid; and devoted friends like Lady Churchill. While Abdul began as a simple servant––like his friend Mohammed, or Victoria’s dresser, Mrs. Tuck––he rose to attain the position of Munshi, a spiritual advisor that the court found hard to classify or contain.
