Royal Tabloid Tales in Malvern

On August 6th 1830 the tiny village of Great Malvern roused itself for a visit by twelve-year-old Princess Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent. There was a welcoming bonfire on North Hill and cannon fire and one man had decorated his house with a crown illuminated with the letter V'. A band of musicians played as the royal party approached Holly Mount where they were to stay and where 'A host of the Royal domestics, down to the under scullery maid, arrived at Malvern, at the early part of the week. A stud of horses, with their grooms, and several mules and donkies, for use of their royal highnesses, have also been for some days at Malvern.'  A local newspaper reported the arrival thus "As soon as the carriages were discerned from the village, the bells of the Abbey Church commenced ringing and at a short distance from the village a band of musicians with streamers met the carriages and preceded them to the entrance of Holly Mount, the numerous spectators heartily cheering the Duchess and her daughter"

In September the Duchess's brother (Victoria's uncle) Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg joined the Royal party, staying for several days at the Foley Arms Hotel. The Duchess and Prince gave their approval that the hotel was thenceforth to be known as the 'Royal Kent and Coburg Hotel & Foley Arms'. A Royal Coat of Arms can still be seen above the entrance  to the Foley Arms Hotel which survives under the shorter name.

        
Group of Donkey Women, Malvern