Queen Victoria (1819-1901) remains one of the most iconic figures in British history. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days, the longest in British history until that of Elizabeth II, profoundly marked the 19th century and gave its name to an entire era: the Victorian era.

An Unexpected Youth on the Throne

Born on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace, Alexandrina Victoria was not destined to reign. Fifth in the line of succession at her birth, she ascended the throne at only 18 years old, on June 20, 1837, following the death of her uncle William IV. Young, inexperienced but determined, she began a reign that would transform Great Britain into a global superpower.

Prince Albert: A Transformative Partnership

In 1840, Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This union, initially arranged, became a true passionate love story. Albert became the queen’s most influential advisor, modernizing the monarchy and promoting the arts, sciences, and industry. Together, they had nine children whose marriages into European royal families earned Victoria the nickname "the grandmother of Europe."

The Victorian Era: Progress and Expansion

Victoria’s reign coincided with the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of the British Empire, and major social transformations. Under her rule, Great Britain became the world’s leading industrial and commercial power. The British Empire extended across all continents, controlling nearly a quarter of the world’s population.

This period also saw the rise of the middle class, the development of railways, improvements in public hygiene, and remarkable scientific advances. The Great Exhibition of 1851, organized by Prince Albert at the Crystal Palace, symbolized this era of progress and innovation.

Mourning and Seclusion

The premature death of Prince Albert in 1861, at the age of 42, plunged Victoria into deep mourning from which she never fully recovered. For years, she withdrew from public life, wearing black until the end of her days. This period of seclusion drew criticism and temporarily weakened the monarchy’s popularity.

Empress of India and Symbol of Stability

In 1876, Victoria received the title Empress of India, consolidating the link between the British Crown and the jewel of the Empire. Gradually, she returned to the public eye, notably during her Golden Jubilee (1887) and Diamond Jubilee (1897), which were celebrated lavishly throughout the Empire and demonstrated the renewed affection of her subjects.

A Lasting Legacy

Victoria died on January 22, 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her reign shaped the modern constitutional monarchy, establishing a model of a sovereign above political parties but deeply engaged in state affairs.

The Victorian era remains synonymous with strict moral values, technological progress, imperial expansion, and social transformations. The name Victoria is today borne by cities, monuments, institutions, and even states around the world, a lasting testament to the influence of a queen who truly gave her name to an age.

To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating period, discover our selection of books on the Victorian era and the great figures of British history.