Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria:

Biography by Maude Windsor

March 31, 2017

Introduction

At 18 she became Queen and for 64 years she reigned as one of the longest and more controlling monarchs of all time- her name is Alexandrina Victoria. The Queen However, was not always called Alexandrina. In fact she changed her name to Victoria when she became queen as was done by most royalty such as King George VI who’s original name was Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor. Queen Victoria was also only about 5 feet tall or 60 inches. However, The queen would not be stopped by such things and went on to accomplish much and to be an inspirational monarch to all.



Who Was Queen Victoria?

When Victoria first became queen she was very determined and independent. She also thought she had more power than she truly did but still used her power to its limits. Victoria also enjoyed painting, going to the opera, drawing, and singing.

Queen Victoria married prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg after proposing to him herself instead of the more common vice-versa. Victoria was also afraid of dying through childbirth but she still ended up have nine children who she married off to dukes, duchesses, princes, and princesses. Her children were Victoria, Edward, Alice, Alfred, Helena, Louise, Arthur, Leopold, and Beatrice. The queen was pregnant with her first child just weeks after their wedding and that child, Victoria, would only outlive her by a mere months.


Early Years

Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 in Kensington palace in London. She was mostly raised by her mother because her father died when she was eight months old.

Alexandrina was taught in the castle by Louise Lehzen. Lehzen would later become the adviser of queen Victoria. She was very helpful and the two of them were very close. Meanwhile, Victoria’s relationship with her mother weakened and they became very distant over time.

Victoria did not truly learn that she would be queen next until she was 13. Victoria had become the heir apparent which made her next in line for the throne no matter what. This was partially due to her Uncle’s not having any children who lived long enough to become the monarch.


Her Responsibility

The monarch has the responsibility to make decisions that will help the country and to be the monarch until death. This is an important role that the monarch must be trusted to do. This role can be overwhelming and can put immense pressure on the monarch. Victoria, what with her being so young was not considered ready for the role by many and was doubted to be able to carry out her duties but was ready to prove them wrong. By the end of her reign she would be known for strengthening the monarchy and for having the longest reign of any british monarch.


Accomplishments

In Victoria’s lifetime she accomplished a great many things including having the longest reign of any monarch in british history. She was also the queen of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and was the Empress of India. The Queen was independent and smart with a strong determination to get things done the way she wanted them done. Victoria was and still is an inspirational figure and a role model to all.


Victoria Remembered

Queen Victoria is remembered for being a queen who, according to British Heritage, “strengthened the monarchy by redefining its role in british life.” Victoria had to work hard to fix the disastrous monarchy due to her predecessor King George the 111. Victoria is also remembered for being queen of the United Kingdom and of India. She also gained the additional title of Empress of India on May 1, 1819.


Conclusion

Victoria’s accomplishments influence our lives today because without her becoming queen, the british monarchy might be in ruins and the postage stamp might never of been approved or of come out. Victoria is a great example of a strong leader who fought for her country and stayed by it’s side through the worst. We should all thank Queen Victoria for being such a good role model for all and for being a responsible monarch.


Bibliography

Pitt, HG. “Baroness Louise Lehzen.” A Web Of English History. 1993. web. March 10 2017. <www.historyhome.co.uk/people/lehzen.htm>

“The Queen and Her first Prime minister.” A Victorian. March 10 2017. Web. <avictorian.com>

Biography.com Editors. “Queen Victoria Biography.” Biography. March 10 2017. Web. <www.biography.com/people/queen-victoria-9518355#synopsis>

“Queen Victoria.” Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Web. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/queen_victoria>

Barrow, Mandy. “Queen Victoria.” Primary Homework Help. 2013. Web. March 10 2017. <www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/victorians/victoria.htm#12>

“Queen Victoria Dies.” History. March 10 2017. Web. <www.history.com/this-day-in-history/queen-victoria-dies>

“Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.” Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. March 10 2017. Web. <https://enwikipedia.org/wiki/saxe-coburg-and-gotha>

“Queen Victoria.” Scrapbook. 10 March 2017. Web. <www.queen.com>

Aubyn, Giles. Queen Victoria. Atheneum. New York. 1992. Print. 10 March 2017.

“Victoria.” Masterpiece. PBS. 2016. Video. 11 March 2017.

“Facts about Queen Victoria.” Primary Homework Help. 14 March 2017. Web. <www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/victorians/victoria.htm>

“Queen Victoria.” British Heritage. Web. 14 March 2017. <britishheritage.com/queen-victoria/>

James. “Queen VIctoria Facts.” Primary Facts. 24 May 2013. Web. 14 March 2017. <primaryfacts.com/1591/queen-victoria-facts/>