The future Queen Victoria grew up at Kensington Palace, where she had a lonely childhood. Under constant supervision by her mother, her governess or one of her tutors, the young Princess rarely socialised with other children.

Despite her solitude, Princess Victoria was able to enjoy various pastimes, including painting, horse riding and playing with her collection of more than 130 tiny wooden dolls.

The young Princess made around one hundred dolls with the help of her governess, Baroness Louise Lehzen. Most of these dolls survive in the Royal Collection today, after having been carefully packed away by the Princess once she reached her fourteenth birthday.

Princess Victoria and Baroness Lehzen also painted paper dolls that were cut out and pasted into books. These are now kept in the Royal Archives, located in the Round Tower of Windsor Castle. Some examples of the paper dolls can be found below …

Have a go!

Re-create Queen Victoria’s paper dolls by downloading our craft sheets. Use the ready-made designs or fashion your own stylish outfits and hairstyles.