After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria found an unlikely confidant in John Brown, a Scottish gillie who had previously served her at Balmoral. Their close relationship shocked the court and her family, as Brown broke societal norms to become the queen's trusted companion.
According to author Tom Quinn in his book Scandals of the Royal Palaces, Brown was often blunt and even lost his temper with Victoria, treating her in ways others would not. The queen was charmed by his 'refreshingly different' and 'masculine' manner, and she came to see him as a replacement for her beloved husband.
Their bond deepened after Brown thwarted an assassination attempt in 1872, for which he received the Devoted Service Medal. He was also granted the privilege of sleeping in a room adjoining the queen's bedroom, fueling rumours of a romantic relationship.
Upon Victoria's death on 22 January 1901, she ensured mementoes of Brown were placed in her coffin. These included his mother's wedding ring, a photograph of him, a lock of his hair, and some of his letters. The queen's devotion to Brown remained a secret until after her death.
The relationship began when Victoria and Albert leased Balmoral in 1848, where Brown worked as a gillie. After Albert's death, Brown became an increasingly important figure in Victoria's life, filling the void left by her husband.
