Roderick Maclean, a troubled individual with a history of mental instability, made an attempt on the life of Queen Victoria while she was attending a public engagement at Windsor. On that fateful day, he managed to get close enough to the Queen to draw a revolver and fire. Fortunately, his shot went astray, failing to strike its intended target. The incident was alarming but was deescalated quickly due to the swift actions of the nearby authorities. Amidst the chaos, a policeman apprehended Maclean right after the attempt, preventing any further danger to the Queen or those around her.

Following the attempted assassination, Maclean claimed his actions were politically motivated, stating a desire to protest against the monarchy. His mental health was called into question, as he was known to have exhibited erratic behavior prior to the incident. After the event, Maclean was evaluated and subsequently institutionalized rather than prosecuted. The event shocked the nation and raised concerns regarding the security measures in place to protect the Queen. It prompted a reevaluation of the protocols for monarchs and was emblematic of a broader anxiety regarding political violence in the late 19th century.

As a result, this incident served to heighten awareness regarding the safety of public figures, particularly in light of the growing anti-monarchist sentiments in various parts of Europe. Queen Victoria continued to carry out her duties, but the incident left a lasting impression on her perception of personal security and the role of the monarchy in a changing political landscape.