Lady Flora Hastings

The lavish 90-minute series opener had young Victoria’s relationship with Lady Flora Hastings as one of its big stories. Flora’s supposed pregnancy was a court shocker that troubled Victoria so much that she insisted on a medical examination – which showed up a tumour, not a baby.

There was a distressing examination portrayed as taking place on coronation day. Having realised she was wrong to accuse the lady of being pregnant out of wedlock, Victoria made a bedside visit to the ailing Flora, only to be told she had much to learn about her people.

There was a scandal involving Lady Flora Hastings – but not until well after the coronation.

Victoria did force Lady Flora, who was suspected of being pregnant, to be examined but certainly not on the Queen’s biggest day.

Lady Flora’s family were scandalised and publicly criticised her treatment by the Queen.

Flora’s death caused a massive scandal which dogged all of Victoria’s reign.