What if Queen Victoria had Instagram?

What if Queen Victoria had Instagram?

Written by Terry Lawson on June 9, 2025 at 9:40 AM

Ladies and gentlefolk of the interwebs, gather round as your favourite time-twisting bard, Timewarp Terry, regales you with a delightful delve into an alternate past! Picture this: a Britain bathed in steam and stiffened collars suddenly swept up in the glossy, filtered frenzy of insta-life. Hold on to your corsets, for we are diving into a world where Queen Victoria is not merely amused, but rather hashtagging it!

Picturing the Era - Victorian Selfies Galore!

The Victorian era was a time when communication meant waiting weeks for a letter or sitting still for an hour to have your mug immortalised in paint. Now, imagine Her Majesty with an Instagram account! The humble goings-on of Buckingham Palace would be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of sepia selfies and witty commentary. "Feeling royally blessed this morn! ☕️👑 #KingdomGoals" she'd quip to her legions of devoted followers.

Imagine state portraits replaced by quick snaps: ‘Queen Vicky’ lounging nonchalantly amid corgi snuggles, or perhaps a cheeky boomerang of Albert attempting the latest waltz. With filters, hashtags, and sensational stories, Victoria's Insta-feed would be as iconic as her reign itself.

#EmpireUnboxed - Diplomacy Meets Cat Memes

Picture if you will, the great Empress of India deftly using Instagram to navigate the treacherous waters of global relations. Her subjects and curious onlookers across the Empire could follow her travels through atmospheric landscapes, decked in velvet and embroidery.

Imagine the Empire's sprawled stretches depicted in neat little squares, turning geopolitical affairs into the ultimate global neighbourhood watch. "Exploring the wonders of Delhi today, and the elephants are simply darling! 🐘💕 #JungleJaunts” - a picture perfect slice of Queenly life.

Victorian Virtue Meets Viral Trends

In our exploratory foray, let's not forget how the Queen's Instagram would be as meticulously curated as her afternoon tea. An unlikely influencer, perhaps, but one can easily envisage Queen Victoria bringing decorous etiquette to the platform. "Today’s mood: Afternoon tea with a dollop of sass. 🍰☕️ #ProperEtiquette,” Victoria would remind her followers.

Etiquette would surely be a staple feature, with educational posts about polite conversation and the art of the debutante curtsy. Perhaps a post on how many tiaras are appropriate for black tie, or the frustrating woe of corset mishaps during state dinners. A potential viral trend, mayhaps?

The Monarch’s Marketplace – Regal Merchandising

Finally, as any true Insta-influencer would, Queen Vicky would undoubtedly delve into the world of brand partnerships. Imagine the posh progression from soap and candle makers to a burgeoning businesswoman expanding her brand beyond the palace gates. Perhaps "Victoria’s Velvet,” a line of regal re-issues for those inclined to don the latest in royal leisure wear. After all, why stop at empire when one can rule the runway?

Modern Victorians might have found themselves swept away by feverish indulgence in memory-imprinting locket sales, or the durability of those always on-trend parasols. No doubt, Her Majesty’s influence would have ensured top sales.

The Legacy of Insta-Victoria

Though the Victorian Age is a bygone era, one cannot help but chuckle at the idea of Queen Victoria snapping away like an 1800s Kardashian. She's sure to have revolutionised not only empire and etiquette but the very essence of how a kingdom connects with its Queen.

In the end, while Her Majesty never had the chance to 'slide into DMs', one must wonder if the essence of an era could be soulfully encapsulated in a digital diary. With her imposing presence softened by sepia tones and creative captions, this regal reimagining offers a royally thought-provoking romp through history.

Until our next time-twisting adventure, this is Terry signing off. Remember, history is merely an old story waiting for a new twist - so keep asking, "What if?"

Terry Lawson
Terry Lawson
Terry is a curious and imaginative writer with a passion for both history and technology. With a flair for humor, wit, and detailed storytelling, Terry paints vivid pictures of how historical figures and events might have unfolded differently if they had access to modern technology.