Queen Victoria Biography

Queen Victoria Biography

Full Name: Queen Alexandrina Victoria
Date of Birth: May 24, 1819
Place of Birth: Kensington Palace, London, England
Died: January 22, 1901
Place of Death: Osborne, Isle of Wight, England
Classification: Leaders & Revolutionaries

Although she wasn’t reared or even aware of her succession to the throne of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen Victoria became queen in 1837. Her political influence wasn’t entirely strong until she married Prince Albert, who helped shape her into a queen of the people. Leading by example, he attended meetings with ministers and helped formulate politics at home and abroad for the world’s strongest nation.

Her name gave way to the Victorian Age, where the throne was more ceremonious than political. When she was made the Queen of England, she didn’t have views about industry or society. In fact, as England grew to become the world’s greatest manufacturer, she did little in the way of controlling or even profiting from it.

Queen Victoria grew up in Kensington Palace. Her mother kept her away from her father’s family as much as possible. With an unforgiving spirit, she sent her mother to live far on the opposite side of Buckingham Palace. Upon meeting her cousin the young Prince Albert, she fell in love and asked him to marry her. In her early days, she was known to be stubborn and not interested in much of the outside world. The prime minister at the time led her to become a Whig in every respect. If problems arose, he taught her to blame a minority for disruption.

Two crises marred Victoria’s social popularity. The first was the Lady Flora Hastings controversy; the honored maid was forced into a pregnancy test to check for infidelity. This led to public outcry, as did, what has been dubbed, the bedchamber crisis, when it was apparent that conservative parties were going to remove the “Whig ladies” from office.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children, many of which would ascend thrones all over Europe. Queen Victoria did not enjoy children and didn’t spend as much time with them as she would have hoped. During her pregnancies, she was volatile, depressed, and often lonely. Her relationship and continued infatuation with Albert kept her going.

Albert taught Victoria that she should have an active role in Britain’s politics. However, Albert controlled much of the political happenings on the Queen’s behalf. From him, though, she learned hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Even though she had pressure to resume ‘ceremonial’ duties, she insisted on her role in politics and even accepted a gift of the Suez Canal, which would overthrow France’s claim on the territory. She was also crowned Empress of India. As she continued to reign, she raised morale and fought for the rights of soldiers during the South African wars. During her several decades as Queen, she restored the people’s belief in the crown.