The leaves are arranged alternately, with distinct veins on the upper and under side, 4–11.5 cm (1.6–4.5 in) long and 4–13 mm (0.16–0.51 in) wide.

The leaves are rough and leathery, the margin wavy with prickly teeth and ending with a sharp point.

[4][5][6][7] The type specimen of Hakea victoria was collected near West Mount Barren (located in what is now Fitzgerald River National Park) by botanist James Drummond and was first described by him in 1847 in The Inquirer newspaper.

[8] The specific epithet is named in honour of Queen Victoria by the naturalist John Gilbert.

[6][9] Royal hakea grows in quartzitic or lateritic sand mostly in rocky locations in the coastal region between Albany and Esperance, including the Fitzgerald River National Park.