Quick Facts
Empress of India. Grandmother of Europe. Her name became an age.
Conversation Starters
Life Journey
Victoria was born to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Her birth was celebrated as the first surviving heir to the British throne in a generation.
Victoria starts her formal education, tutored by private instructors in subjects ranging from languages to music. Her education was designed to prepare her for her future role as monarch.
Victoria ascends to the throne following the death of her uncle, William IV. She is proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom and becomes the youngest person to ascend to the British throne.
Victoria marries her first cousin, Prince Albert, in a private ceremony at St. James's Palace. Their marriage is a love match and lasts until Albert's death in 1861.
Victoria becomes the first British monarch to travel by train, taking a journey from Slough to Paddington. This event symbolizes the rapid industrial and technological advancements of her reign.
Victoria and Prince Albert open the Great Exhibition, a showcase of the world's industrial, cultural, and scientific achievements. The event is a significant moment in the Victorian era, highlighting Britain's global influence.
Prince Albert dies of typhoid fever, plunging Victoria into deep mourning. She withdraws from public life for several years, affecting her relationship with the British public and government.
Victoria is proclaimed Empress of India by the Royal Titles Act, solidifying Britain's imperial dominance. This title reflects the expansion of the British Empire and Victoria's role as its symbol.
Victoria celebrates her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne. The event is marked by lavish ceremonies and public celebrations, reaffirming her popularity and the stability of her reign.
Victoria dies at Osborne House, surrounded by her family. Her reign, the longest in British history at the time, transformed the monarchy and the British Empire, leaving a lasting legacy.