Queen Victoria

Background

Alexandrina Victoria was the first child born to the Duchess of Kent. Her father was George III’s fourth son, and she was fifth in line to the throne. Following the deaths of two uncles, the adolescent Victoria became heir to her only remaining uncle — King William IV. Victoria inherited the kingdom from her uncle, William IV, only a few weeks after her 18th birthday. Her first request was for an hour to herself — which had previously been denied. On Coronation Day, 400,000 people lined the streets of London to watch the Queen be crowned at Westminster Abbey. Because she allowed her emotions to cloud her judgment early in her reign, the Queen made several unwise decisions. During her lifetime, the Queen — who frequently traveled in an open carriage —was the subject of eight attempts to assassinate or harm her.

When Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha visited Britain in 1839, Victoria found love with him, and both married soon after. Victoria became pregnant shortly after her wedding and gave birth nine months later. Victoria and Albert traveled to Scotland for the first time and felt it was romantic and daring. Albert was reminded of his birthplace in Germany by the Highlands. When the Queen visited the Inaugural State Opening of Parliament at the new Palace of Westminster, she established new royal customs. Victoria —with Albert’s help — established a publicly visible parliamentary system to quell Britain’s burgeoning republican movement. Victoria established the ‘Victoria Cross’ to recognize deeds of exceptional courage during the Crimean War. It was given based on merit rather than rank. The Royal Family was immortalized in a series of 14 photographs known as ‘Carte de Visites.’

Prince Albert died when he was 42 years old. Victoria was distraught and wore mourning for the remainder of her life. She was terrified after her son and heir Edward became sick with typhoid. Victoria became Empress of India to strengthen ties between the monarchy and the Empire. To commemorate her Golden Jubilee, the Queen invited Indian servants. Abdul Karim — one of them — was appointed to become her instructor or ‘Munshi.’ The Diamond Jubilee enhanced Victoria’s prestige. To commemorate the event, her likeness was imprinted on everything from mugs to mustard jars. Victoria was to have a day of global celebrations. Despite her restricted mobility, the aged Queen presided over many occasions. Victoria died after suffering from illness for several weeks. Her son and heir, Edward VII, and grandson, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, were by her side on her deathbed.

Victoria reigned for 63 years, seven months, and two days, making her the longest-reigning British monarch and queen regnant in history until her great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth II overtook her on September 9, 2015. Her son and successor, Edward VII, belonged to her husband’s House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and she was the last monarch of the “House of Hanover.”