A Royal Family Historical Snub For A Seaside Pier

If you’re a British Royal Family fan and have visited the UK, or live there, then it might interest you to know about the royal association with the Palace Pier in Brighton, England. Read on for more details.

The Pier Is For Sale

Recently, The Guardian reported that the pier is for sale. If you want it, then you’ll need to fork out in the region of £18 million or more, which is what the previous owners paid for it in 2016. Well, it has an interesting background, if an ironic one regarding the royal family.

Royal commentator Neil Sean discussed the history of the pier on his Daily News Headlines vlog this Wednesday. In it, he revealed that the seaside landmark held a special appeal for him as a child. One day, he dreamed, he might get to be the manager of the tourist attraction.

Visiting Southport with his parents kickstarted the dream, and he related how he loved the train there and the theater. However, the waves, the fun, and excitement never actually landed him a job there. But, he had an interesting take on the royal family and how it all became associated with them.

Queen Victoria Hate Piers

Sean revealed that Queen Victoria really didn’t like piers. He related how an 1845 visit to Brighton went badly because she was “surrounded by yobs on the pier.” Not only that, but to add insult to injury, they “didn’t recognize” her. 

So, she decided that going there was bad. Declaring piers were dreadful places, she said that the monarch’s family should avoid them at all costs. While her son, the future King Edward VII, enjoyed the fun and ambiance, she banned him from opening one, ever.

History Is Important

Although some piers are named for the royal family, the late Queen wouldn’t let her family officially open one. Still, according to Neil Sean, in 1937, broadcaster Edward R. Murrow made the first live broadcast from the pier to America. Listeners could hear the waves and the crowd. It was an important historical event moment, and even the royal family apparently listened in.

Now, Sean worries about the pier’s future. He points out that these “wonderful palaces of entertainment” need constant care. The sad fate of Brighton’s West Pier, which burned down, shows how quickly history can be lost. And, the sale of the Palace Pier might mean a threat to the history of the place.

For older people who remember the joy and fun of the pier, despite Queen Victoria’s disdain for it, nostalgia still brings back smiles. So, naturally, a lot of folks might hope that the new investors keep the place authentic. History is still important to so many people. Without history, what are we, after all?

Viewers React

A bit of history always appeals to people. So, some folks liked the little story about the Palace Pier. One person wrote in the comments, “It sounds like Queen Victoria was not amused by promenading on the pier.”

Here are a few more reactions from the discussion.

• I loved this sensational historical story about the Palace Pier at Brighton, your enthusiastic magical memories are a joy to share, you are amazing. How fascinating that Queen Victoria was not amused by promenading on the piers.
• What an odd thing for Queen Victoria to be against. It sounds lovely to me.
• Thanks Neil, another interesting piece about our often forgotten history. It’s good to hear about all the groundbreaking things that first happened in the Victorian era.

What are your thoughts? Did you know that ancestors of Prince William, little Prince George, and the other royals had a downer on seaside piers? Let us know in the comments below, and come back often for all our royal family news and updates.