Revealed ... the tragic truth about Victoria and Abdul

HE was one of Queen Victoria’s most trusted confidants, but Abdul Karim’s remarkable role was all but erased from history by jealous members of the Royal Family following her death.

Hundreds of letters sent to Abdul by Victoria – signed variously as ‘Your dearest friend’ and ‘Your dearest mother’ – were destroyed.

The former Royal servant and his family were also kicked out of their home at Windsor Castle and unceremoniously deported. In an exclusive article for today’s Event magazine, author Shrabani Basu reveals fascinating details about her research for her book, which has been turned into a film, Victoria And Abdul, starring Dame Judi Dench and Ali Fazal.

Abdul was brought to England in 1887, but within a year Victoria had promoted him to ‘munshi’, or teacher.

Basu got access to journals which Victoria wrote in Hindustani, having been taught by Abdul.

‘Few knew that the elderly Queen had learnt the language and kept a diary for 13 years,’ said Basu. ‘It brought the relationship alive before my eyes.’

However, their friendship provoked envy in Royal circles. Hours after Victoria’s funeral in 1901, Edward VII’s wife, Queen Alexandra, and Victoria’s daughter Beatrice confiscated the letters.

Abdul was banished and died eight years later, a broken man.