Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was born as Victoria Alexandrina on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace in London. She was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Her father died when she was only eight months old. Her mother took on the responsibility of raising her in a relatively isolated and controlled environment, as the Duchess was cautious about potential influences from the court and public life.

Victoria’s early childhood was marked by a close relationship with her mother, but her upbringing was also characterized by strict rules. Her mother was very protective, which led to a somewhat sheltered upbringing. Victoria had a governess named Louise Lehzen, who played a significant role in her education and early development. Lehzen was known for her strict discipline but also for fostering Victoria’s intellectual growth.^[5]

Victoria's education was carefully designed to prepare her for her future role as queen. She was educated at home under the guidance of her mother and her governess. The curriculum included a broad range of subjects such as languages including, French, German, Italian, history, literature, and the arts. Victoria also received instruction in music and drawing.

Her education was not only academic but also focused on moral and ethical values, which were crucial for her future role as a monarch. She was taught to read, write, and understand state affairs from an early age. This rigorous education helped her develop a deep sense of duty and responsibility that would define her reign.

Victoria's family dynamics were complex. Her relationship with her mother was both nurturing and controlling. Her mother was deeply involved in her upbringing and often made decisions that affected her social and political life. Victoria’s father’s death left a significant gap in her early life, but her relationship with her mother and the support from her maternal family provided stability. Victoria had one older half-sister, Princess Feodora, from her mother’s first marriage. Although their relationship was somewhat distant, they maintained a close connection.^[6]

Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha on February 10, 1840. The match was arranged to strengthen ties between British and European royalty.

The marriage was based on mutual respect and affection. Albert was a devoted partner, providing Victoria with counsel and support throughout her reign. Together, they worked on various projects, including reforms in education and the arts. Their relationship was characterized by a deep emotional bond, and they supported each other through personal and political challenges.

Victoria and Albert had nine children, whose marriages connected many European royal families. Their children were:

1. Victoria (1840-1901): She married Crown Prince Frederick III of Prussia and became the German Empress consort and Queen consort of Prussia. Her marriage established strong ties between Britain and Germany.

2. Edward (1841-1910): He ascended the throne after Victoria’s death and became King of the United Kingdom. His reign marked the beginning of the Edwardian Era and was characterized by significant social and political changes.

3. Alice (1843-1878): She married Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse, and became Grand Duchess consort of Hesse. Her marriage linked British royalty with the German states.

4. Alfred (1844-1900): He became the Duke of Edinburgh and later the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Alfred had a career in the Royal Navy.

5. Helena (1846-1923): She married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Helena was known for her charitable work and support of various social causes.

6. Louise (1848-1939): She married John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll. Louise was involved in various social and charitable activities.

7. Arthur (1850-1942): He served in the British Army and became the Duke of Connaught. His military career and public service were notable aspects of his life.

8. Leopold (1853-1884): He became the Duke of Albany and suffered from hemophilia. His early death was a great sorrow for Victoria.

9. Beatrice (1857-1944): She married Prince Henry of Battenberg and devoted much of her life to caring for her mother and supporting various charitable endeavors.^[7]

Victoria ascended to the throne on June 20, 1837, at the age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV. Her reign, known as the Victorian Era, lasted for over 63 years, making it one of the longest in British history. The era was marked by significant changes and advancements in Britain, including the Industrial Revolution, which brought about technological innovations, economic growth, and urbanization.

Victoria’s reign saw the expansion of the British Empire, making Britain a global power. The period was also characterized by social and political reforms, such as improvements in public health, education, and labor laws. Victoria’s strong sense of duty and commitment to her role as monarch helped maintain stability during a time of rapid change.

Queen Victoria passed away on January 22, 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, at the age of 81. Her death marked the end of the Victorian Era and the beginning of the Edwardian Era, with her eldest son, Albert Edward, becoming King Edward VII.

Victoria’s legacy is profound. Her reign was a period of significant progress and transformation in Britain. She became a symbol of stability and continuity, and her influence extended beyond Britain to many European royal families due to her children’s marriages. Victoria is remembered for her strong leadership, her role in shaping modern Britain, and her impact on the British monarchy. Her descendants continue to play prominent roles in European royalty, cementing her place in history as a key figure in shaping the modern world.^[8]

• Queen Victoria Citizendium