The station saw the first of many royal visitors in 1843, when Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, greeted Louis Philippe of France at Gosport. Queen Victoria visited the station six days later when she accompanied the king on his return to France. Following Albert's purchase of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight the following year, he negotiated the construction of an extension of the line through the town ramparts to a private station, the Royal Victoria Station, built in Royal Clarence Yard for the use of Royal family and household, who would arrive here for the Solent crossing.
The station was first visited by royalty in 1843 when Prince Albert greeted Louis Philippe of France at Gosport. Queen Victoria then visited six days later while accompanying her husband on his return to France. Following Albert's purchase of Osborne House, he negotiated the construction of a private station for the Royal family and household, known as the Royal Victoria Station, built in Royal Clarence Yard for use during Solent crossings.