"She discusses why Abdul, who is married, is not having any children. She is very frank, talking about positions with him."
Many regard Queen Victoria as a prude, no-nonsense figure. However, a diary written by her Indian servant ‘Munshi’ sheds new light on her stating that she gave him sex tips for him and his wife!
She especially advised him on what type of sex positions he should try with his wife.
These surprising details come as a new film, titled Victoria & Abdul, explores the friendship between the two. Based on the book by Shrabani Basu, the movie will hit cinemas on 15th September 2017.
Abdul Karim, nicknamed ‘Munshi’, became Queen Victoria’s servant during the later years of her reign. However, the Royal family, including the Queen’s son Edward VII, disapproved of their developing bond.
So much so that after Queen Victoria’s death, they attempted to remove Abdul’s role from history. Yet, some diaries and letter still remain within the Royal Archives. While Shrabani Basu researched them after given rare access, she found the hidden material.
Inside the diaries and letters, Queen Victoria wrote in Urdu, which Abdul Karim taught her during his service to her. Written over a period of 13 years, they contain kisses and affection.
But, in one particular letter, she advises ‘Munshi’ that his wife should be “careful at the particular time every month not to tire herself or go on rough roads”.
Shrabani Basu explained more on the sex advice the royal figure gave to her Indian servant. She said:
“Few knew that the elderly queen had learnt the language and kept a diary for 13 years. These had never been translated. They brought the relationship alive before my eyes. She discusses why Abdul, who is married, is not having any children. She is very frank, talking about positions with him.”
With these new details, it brings a new perspective to the famous royal figure. In addition, upcoming Victoria & Abdul will bring the story of Abdul Karim forward to those who may not know much of the Indian servant.
He arrived in England around 1887 as a servant of the Queen. But she quickly promoted him to a teacher, or ‘Munshi’, within a year. Shrabani explains that while the two remained close friends, “I don’t think it was sexual in any sense although there is an intimacy”.
However, the Royal family grew concerned of the bond and eventually banished Abdul after Queen Victoria’s death. He died in 1909, aged just 46.
Victoria & Abdul stars Dame Judi Dench in the role of Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal playing the role of her servant Abdul. It will be fascinating to see how they will portray the unexpectedly close relationship of the two.
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