Queen Victoria: A Detailed Biography

Queen Victoria (1819–1901) reigned for 63 years and 216 days — longer than any British monarch before Elizabeth II. Her era saw the British Empire reach its greatest extent, the Industrial Revolution transform society, and strict moral codes define public life. Known as the “Grandmother of Europe” and the “Widow of Windsor”, she ruled through nine prime ministers from Wellington to Salisbury. This biography covers her sheltered childhood, love story with Prince Albert, imperial zenith, long

Early Life: The Kensington System

Birth at Kensington Palace

Born Alexandrina Victoria on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace, she was the only child of Edward, Duke of Kent (fourth son of George III), and German princess Victoire of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Her father died when she was eight months old, as detailed by the Royal Family.

Accession at 18 (1837)

“I will be good”

Victoria became queen on June 20, 1837, aged 18, after the death of William IV. Her first words as monarch, recorded in her diary, were “I will be good.” She moved from Kensington to Buckingham Palace and dismissed her controlling mother’s advisor, Sir John Conroy, as preserved by the British Library.

Marriage to Prince Albert (1840)

Victoria proposed to her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha on October 15, 1839. They married on February 10, 1840, and had nine children who married into royal houses across Europe, earning her the nickname “Grandmother of Europe”, as documented by the Royal Collection Trust.

Albert’s Influence and the Great Exhibition (1851)

Albert was the driving force behind the 1851 Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace — a celebration of industry and empire attended by six million people. He modernised the monarchy and became Victoria’s public image, as preserved by the Royal Albert Hall.

Widowhood and the “Widow of Windsor” (1861–1901)

Albert died of typhoid fever on December 14, 1861, aged 42. Devastated, Victoria withdrew from public life for years, wearing black mourning dress until her death. She became known as the “Widow of Windsor” and was criticised as aloof, yet her popularity recovered in her later decades, as detailed by the UK National Archives.

Golden and Diamond Jubilees

The Golden Jubilee (1887) and Diamond Jubilee (1897) were massive celebrations of her reign. In 1897 she became the longest-reigning British monarch to date, as celebrated by the Royal Family.

Empire and Empress of India

Disraeli had her proclaimed Empress of India in 1876. At its height, the British Empire under Victoria covered a quarter of the world’s land and population, as documented by the British Library.

Death and Legacy

Queen Victoria’s Enduring Impact

Victoria died of a cerebral haemorrhage on January 22, 1901, at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, aged 81, surrounded by family including Kaiser Wilhelm II. She was buried beside Albert in the Frogmore Mausoleum. Her reign defined an era of unprecedented British power, industrial progress, and strict morality — and gave the world the Christmas tree tradition, white wedding dresses for brides, and the phrase “We are not amused” (probably apocryphal), as celebrated by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Victoria

Why Is Queen Victoria Famous?

For her 63-year reign, the Victorian era, and giving her name to an age of empire and industry.

How Long Did Queen Victoria Reign?

63 years and 216 days — 1837–1901.

Where Was Queen Victoria Born?

Kensington Palace, London, May 24, 1819.

Who Was Prince Albert?

Her husband (1840–1861) and closest advisor; she mourned him for 40 years.

What Was the Victorian Era?

The period of Victoria’s reign — industrial revolution, British Empire at its peak, strict morality.

Was Queen Victoria Really Amused?

The phrase “We are not amused” is probably apocryphal, but she had a dry sense of humour.

How Did Queen Victoria Die?

Cerebral haemorrhage on January 22, 1901, aged 81.