Mr John Brown

There is little evidence to support anything beyond a firm friendship between Brown and Queen Victoria. The social mores at the time would have made anything between them (especially a secret engagement or marriage) absolutely impossible. People have been picking over every minute of her life ever since she died and whilst it's clear she and Brown had an attachment, and possibly a romantic attachment, it's not remotely likely they ever acted on it.

The film is an accurate portrayal of the Victorian attitude to duty and service. I also agree with you regards Judy Dench's performance. The decision of the Academy to give the Oscar to Helen Hunt that year for "As Good As It Gets" is the main reason I stopped paying any attention to what they think about anything....

Hi Supe,

Though I will not profess expertise on the subject, there is certainly the distinct possibility that Mr. Brown was in a relationship with the Queen. This in itself would be quite normal, but recall these things: (1) As a widower of the era, the Queen like any widow couldn't remarry; (2) The Queen as monarch especially could not remarry; (3) The Constitution forbade it in any event (Brown was a commoner); (4) The Queen was simply too in love and too dedicated to Prince Albert to go "too far". Hope this helps, and post if you hear ought of Mr. Brown's famed diary.

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