Who was Alexandrina Victoria?
Who was Queen Victoria?
Victoria was born on the 24th May 1819 in Kensington Palace,
London, her father was Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the
fourth son of King George III. Her father died in 1820, when
Victoria was only 8 months old. Sadly, her grandfather King
George III died the same year. Victoria's mother was
German born, Princess Victoria Mary Louisa of Saxe-CoburgSaalfeld.
What happened in 1837?
In 1837, Victoria's last uncle died, leaving her the only
legitimate heir to the throne. Therefore, Victoria
became Queen Victoria on the 20th June 1837. Just over
a year later, on the 28th June 1838, she was crowned
queen at Westminster Abbey. Queen Victoria was only 18
when she came to the throne; she thought that as queen,
she could do as she liked but she quickly had to learn
that she couldn’t. Queen Victoria is the longest reigning
monarch in UK history, spanning 64 years, from 1837 1901.
Did you know that Queen Victoria was also Empress of India from 1876 – 1901?
The Little Princess
As Queen Victoria’s mother was German and her father died
when she was only 8 months old, Victoria’s first language was
German. Her mother called her ‘Drina’. She was taught at
home by a governess and didn’t go to school. Although she
lived in a palace, Queen Victoria and her mother were not
rich. Queen Victoria learnt how to speak French, English and
Hindustani. As well as learning how to speak in different
languages, Queen Victoria also studied Geography, and was
very good at Maths and Music.
Did you know that Queen Victoria had a pony called ‘Rosa’ and a spaniel dog
called ‘Dash’?
Who did Queen Victoria marry?
When she was 17, Queen Victoria met her cousins
Albert and Ernest of Saxe-Coburg Gotha who
were German Princes. She liked Albert so much,
they were married on the 10th February 1840 in
St. James Place in London. Victoria was 21. Once
married, Queen Victoria and Albert lived in
Buckingham Palace.
Did you know that Queen
The Royal Family
Victoria asked Prince Albert to
In 1841, Princess Victoria (Vicky) was born,
followed by Prince Albert (Bertie) a year later.
marry her?
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a total of 9 children. With so many children,
Christmas time became fun. As Albert liked Christmas trees with candles, lots of
families in Britain copied them by having their own Christmas trees. Christmas cards
were first sent in 1843.
Royal Holidays
The royal family had a seaside home at
Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Queen
Victoria even went in the sea and Prince
Albert built a beach hut. The royal family
also had a home at Balmoral Castle in
Scotland. Queen Victoria and her family
enjoyed trips on their royal yacht.
Why did Queen Victoria wear black?
In 1842, Prince Albert suddenly died of suspected
‘Typhoid Fever’, Victoria was devastated and mourned
his passing by wearing black. In fact, she wore black
for the rest of her reign as Queen of England.
Did you know that Queen Victoria survived seven
assassination attempts?
When did Queen Victoria die?
At the age of 81, whilst at Osborne House in the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria died on
the 22nd January 1901. She was buried in Windsor. Prince Albert Edward, Prince of
Wales (Victoria’s eldest son), succeeded Victoria, becoming King Edward VII.