At the start of her reign Victoria was popular, but her reputation suffered in an 1839 court intrigue when one of her mother's ladies-in-waiting, Lady Flora Hastings, developed an abdominal growth that was widely rumoured to be an out-of-wedlock pregnancy by Sir John Conroy. Victoria believed the rumours. She hated Conroy, and despised "that odious Lady Flora", because she had conspired with Conroy and the Duchess of Kent in the Kensington System. At first, Lady Flora refused to submit to a naked medical examination, until in mid-February she eventually agreed, and was found to be a virgin. Conroy, the Hastings family and the opposition Tories organised a press campaign implicating the Queen in the spreading of false rumours about Lady Flora. When Lady Flora died in July, the post-mortem revealed a large tumour on her liver that had distended her abdomen. At public appearances, Victoria was hissed and jeered as "Mrs. Melbourne". COUNT 14
QSN1 What health issue did Flora hastings develope that began to ruin Victorias reputation? ANS1 an abdominal growth QSN2 What was the job of lady Flora Hastings in Victorias household? ANS2 one of her mother's ladies-in-waiting QSN3 What was Flora hastings abdominal growth rumored to be? ANS3 an out-of-wedlock pregnancy QSN4 Who was rumored to be the father of Flora Hastings "pregnancy"? ANS4 Sir John Conroy QSN5 What year did Victorias reputation begin to suffer? ANS5 1839 QSN6 What lady in waiting was at the heart of a 1839 court scandal? ANS6 Lady Flora Hastings QSN7 What was the cause of Lady Flora's death in July?  ANS7 large tumour on her liver QSN8 With whom did Lady Flora consipire against Queen Victoria?  ANS8 Conroy and the Duchess of Kent QSN9 What was Queen Victoria called after Lady Flora's death due? ANS9 Mrs. Melbourne QSN10 Who, in Victoria's court, was accused of having a pregnancy outside of mariage? ANS10 one of her mother's ladies-in-waiting, Lady Flora Hastings QSN11 Who was believed to be the father of Lady Flor's "baby"? ANS11 Sir John Conroy QSN12 What did Victoria think of Lady Flora? ANS12 despised QSN13 Why did Victoria hate Sir Conroy and Lady Flora? ANS13 the Kensington System QSN14 What was actually the cause of Lady Flora's "pregnancy"? ANS14 large tumour on her liver that had distended her abdomen