Mystery Surrounds Descendant of Queen Victoria

A British historian suggests that a Midwestern therapist, known for her tattoos, mullet, and nose piercing, might be a descendant of Queen Victoria’s secret lover. Angela Webb-Milinkovich, from Minnesota, has been linked to a potential familial connection through claims made by historian Fern Riddell.

Webb-Milinkovich, in her 40s, is open to DNA testing to uncover the truth, despite lacking typical regal appearance. She recounts family stories asserting that her great-grandmother, Mary Ann Brown, was the lovechild of Queen Victoria and her loyal servant, John Brown, with whom Victoria supposedly shared a romantic relationship after the death of her husband, Prince Albert.

This relationship reportedly lasted for years, with whispers that Victoria and Brown secretly married in Switzerland in 1866. The Queen was known to be deeply close to Brown, even dedicating a book to him and requesting to be buried alongside his portrait, fueling speculation of their intimacy.

The scandalous rumor has persisted for decades, with some believing Victoria’s affection for Brown was more than just that of a loyal aide. A 19th-century Swiss newspaper even hinted at a secret marriage, and Victoria’s personal writings describe her love for Brown as if he were her beloved.

The classic 1997 film “Mrs. Brown” dramatized their relationship, earning Judi Dench an Oscar nomination. While many scholars dismiss these claims, Riddell argues recent findings, including Victoria’s posthumous diary entries and a handprint believed to be hers, support the theory that John Brown was a de facto consort of the Queen for over two decades, deserving acknowledgment in history.