Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria (24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Known as the Victorian era, her reign of 63 years and seven months was longer than any previous British monarch. It was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire.

Early Life

Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, on 24 May 1819. She was the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, and Victoria Maria Louisa of Saxe-Coburg. Her father died shortly after her birth, making Victoria a direct heir to the throne. She was raised under close supervision by her mother and her comptroller, Sir John Conroy.

Ascension to the Throne

Victoria became queen at the age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV, in 1837. Her coronation took place on 28 June 1838. As a young queen, Victoria was eager to have an influence on British policy, but she was often frustrated by the constraints of her constitutional role and the willingness of her ministers to ignore her.

Marriage and Family

In 1840, Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Their marriage produced nine children, all of whom married into various European royal and noble families. Prince Albert's death in 1861 was a devastating blow to Victoria, and she entered a period of deep mourning.

Later Reign and Death

During her later years, Victoria became the symbol of the British Empire. Her Golden and Diamond Jubilees were celebrated with great enthusiasm in the UK and the wider Empire. Victoria died on 22 January 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. She was succeeded by her eldest son, Edward VII.

Legacy

Queen Victoria's reign marked a period of significant growth and progress for the United Kingdom. The Victorian era is known for its industrial expansion, moral strictness, and burgeoning of the arts and sciences. Victoria herself is remembered as a symbol of empire, and her monuments and memorials are scattered throughout the former British Empire.