An oil painting of a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria and Alexandra, Princess of Wales are returning to the Palace in an open carriage pulled by two grey horses; in the garden, on the left, the Prince of Wales is conversing to a couple in

Royal Gardens

Their history, form and function

Osborne House

A group photograph taken at Osboune House, including Queen Victoria (1819-1901); Queen Mary (1867-1953) when Princess Mary, Duchess of York, holding Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897-1965), when Princess Mary of York, on the Duchess's la

Royal group photograph taken at Osborne House, August 1898 ©

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight was a summer retreat built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert between 1845 and 1851, designed by Albert himself with the architect Thomas Cubitt in the style of an Italian palazzo. Albert’s involvement also extended to the grounds and surrounding land and farms which totalled 1727 acres (294 hectares).

Discover the stories behind the Osborne House's gardens in the Royal Collection by clicking on the items below.

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73)

Queen Victoria with Prince Arthur

William Leighton Leitch (1804-83)

Osborne House from below the terrace

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

The Children in the Pleasure Garden at Osborne

William Leighton Leitch (1804-83)

The Swiss Cottage, Osborne House

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The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.