The first three seasons of Victoria have been a journey. From foreign wars to royal marriages, assassination attempts, and an epic mustache, the young monarch has a lot going on in her life. And while we don't yet have an airdate for the next season, we can't help but speculate about what can we expect from Season 4. History is the greatest spoiler, so here is our best guess at what we’ll see when Victoria returns.
More royal births?
Season 3 ends with Victoria and Albert the parents of 7 princes and princesses. History tells us the couple has two more, as Leopold and Beatrice are still to be born. Fans of medical history will be interested to watch and learn that for these last two births Victoria used chloroform for the first time to ease the pain of childbirth.
We expect to see these royal babies make their entrance because…
A dramatic death?
Rumor has it that a tragedy will strike the royal household and a major character will die. Writer Daisy Goodwin told Digital Spy: "I am working on series four at the moment and that's going to be an absolute humdinger, because... well, you can go to Wikipedia to find out!"
Could it be the demise of Albert? Season 3 did end with his dramatic collapse. According to history, he dies at age 42 — and he is in his early 30s when we leave him in Victoria Season 3. We know that he succumbed to typhoid fever in 1861, after a long suffering from stomach problems. Medical historians now say it’s possible that he had a chronic disease such as Crohn’s or renal failure. That would certainly be a humdinger.
A new wardrobe?
If we do face Albert’s death in season 4, one thing we can expect is a re-brand of Victoria’s delicious wardrobe. The Queen went into deep mourning after Albert's death; in fact, she wore black for the rest of her life. She also retreated from many public duties, which means we could see a lot more action behind the palace walls.
A focus on a new part of the world?
Season 3 had plenty of political upheaval and we are expecting even more in season 4, possibly concerning events on the other side of the world. Given the timing of Season 3, we could see the new season exploring unrest in India. Starting with the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the uprising against the British East India Company transformed British rule on the Indian subcontinent and introduced the British Raj. Our favorite vile viscount Lord Palmerston, who later becomes Prime Minister, will definitely have a say in what happens.
Other historical developments we are guessing we could see in Season 4 include the British involvement in the Crimean War, growing republicanism, and the American Civil War.
A new medical mystery?
There’s plenty of drama surrounding Victoria’s love life and family, but we think the show might add a new layer of drama by exploring the blood-clotting disease hemophilia. As the “grandmother of Europe,” Victoria supposedly passed on the genetic disease to noble families all over the continent through the marriage of her nine children.
As the show follows Victoria’s children growing up, royal doctors might start noticing the unpleasant disease, in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the sufferer to bleed severely from even a slight injury. A mysterious disease spreading through Europe’s noble houses — what could be a juicier plot than that?
A secret affair?
In addition to a significant death, writer Goodwin promises the introduction of a new character: “Somebody dies and someone new comes on the scene, so there is a lot to play with there. I've really got back into it and am really enjoying writing it."
Could it be a controversial love interest for the royal widow? We might see more of John Brown, the Queen’s servant (so definitely not fit for a royal) who hails from Scotland. Rumor has it they grew close after Albert’s death. Some media reports indicate that Victoria may have even married Brown, and had a secret daughter who went on to live in America. A scandalous love affair with a servant? Bring it on, Season 4.
Victoria Season 3 will be re-airing Sundays at 8pm on WGBH 2.
