New diary extracts reveal Queen

Her doctor ordered Victoria to continue to ride, and in the Highlands she grew accustomed to Brown leading her.

“A stranger would make me nervous,” she wrote. “I am now weak and nervous, and very dependent on those I am accustomed to and in whom I have confidence.”

By the following February the tall, handsome and protective Brown had the permanent title of the Queen’s Highland Servant.

By November, he was designated John Brown, Esquire. Victoria was charmed by his loyalty.

“He is so devoted to me – so simple, so intelligent, so unlike an ordinary servant, and so cheerful and attentive.”

As their relationship deepened – he was the only one who treated her as a woman, not a sovereign – she confided to her diary: “My dear pony went beautifully, like a cat and the way Brown carried me over and along the stones admirable.”

She described him as “so thoughtful and full of initiative, making an admirable guide and servant”. She added: “Brown with his strong, powerful arm, helped me along wonderfully.”

The next day Victoria recorded a jolly tour near Balmoral with Brown.

“One had heather up to one’s knees, holes, slippery ground and stones three feet high to get over. I tried my best, but could never have got on without Brown’s help.

“The going down was a wonderful but very amusing affair. It is quite a perpendicular descent and so slippery, that Brown, in trying to keep me up, came down his whole length.”

She added: “The descent was far easier, but the path was very rough in parts and I had recourse to Brown’s strong arm to steady me.”