University of East Anglia - Actually, we are amused

Queen Victoria was amused after all, an academic at the University of East Anglia has found. A letter dated 16 July 1852 and written by Lord Derby, Prime Minister of the day, was unearthed by historian Geoff Hicks. It describes a "small thunderstorm adventure" during a drive with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight. After being caught in a "regular deluge", the party had to seek refuge at the home of Lord Downes, the letter addressed to the Earl of Malmesbury states. But the roof of the house was leaking and the Queen was surrounded by pots and pans brought in to catch the downpour. "The Queen was rather amused with the whole scene, and took very good naturedly having to come home sitting on cushions nearly soaked through," Lord Derby wrote.