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Birth and Early Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Queen Victoria’s story begins on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace in London. She was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Her birth into the House of Hanover<\/a> was significant, not just for her immediate family but for the future of the British monarchy. Tragically, her father passed away when Victoria was just eight months old, and with no siblings this left her as an only child. This early loss would shape much of her childhood and future reign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s upbringing was sheltered and somewhat isolated. Her mother, along with her advisor Sir John Conroy, devised the ‘Kensington System’ of education and upbringing, which was designed to make Victoria dependent on them. The strict regimen set up by her mother shunned the courts of Victoria\u2019s uncles, George IV and William IV. This system, however, also instilled in her a sense of discipline and a deep understanding of royal duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially, Victoria’s chances of ascending to the throne seemed slim. She was fifth in line, but a series of deaths in the royal family, including her father and his three elder brothers, dramatically changed the line of succession<\/a>. By the time she was a teenager, Victoria found herself as the heir presumptive. Her uncle, King William IV, had no legitimate children, which left Victoria as the next in line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s education was unconventional, but not too dissimilar to other royal households. Tutored at home, she received a well-rounded education that included history, geography, the Bible, and the arts. Her tutors were carefully chosen to provide her with the knowledge and skills befitting a future monarch. However, her controlling mother and guardians, through the ‘Kensington System’ controlled her every move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this system, she was not allowed to be separated from her mother. Every meeting was controlled, every action had to be approved and she was kept as isolated from other children. Victoria was a quick learner though, fluent in German (her mother tongue), English, and French. She also learned Italian and Latin, reflecting her keen interest in languages and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s ascension to the throne was a pivotal moment in British history. She became queen at the tender age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV. This transition marked a significant change in her personal and public life. Her relationship with her mother, already strained, became more complex as Victoria sought to assert her independence. Her coronation would come to symbolise not only a new reign but also a new era in British history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barely eighteen, she refused any further influence from her domineering mother and ruled in her own stead. The turn of her 18th birthday was pivotal in it’s timing as it meant that she could rule alone, rather than having to share power with her mother. Popular respect for the Crown was at a low point at her coronation. But Victoria, with her modest and straightforward approach, eventually won the hearts of her subjects. It took some time though. She had a deep desire to be involved and informed in political matters of the day, although she had no direct input in policy decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Reform Act of 1832 had set the standard of legislative authority residing in the House of Lords, with executive authority resting within a cabinet formed of members of the House of Commons; the monarch was essentially removed from the loop. For a young, inexperienced queen, having allies while getting to grips with this relatively new political reality was crucial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She perhaps had no greater ally in her early life, than William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. As her first Prime Minister<\/a> and a trusted advisor, he was instrumental in guiding the young queen through the initial challenges of her monarchy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria first met Melbourne shortly after she became queen in 1837. He was already serving as Prime Minister under her uncle, King William IV. Upon her accession, Melbourne’s relationship with Victoria quickly evolved from that of a Prime Minister to a monarch, to a mentor and father figure. This support was especially important given her strained relationship with her mother and the isolation she experienced before becoming queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne served as a mentor to the young Queen Victoria. With his extensive political experience, he provided her with invaluable advice on governmental affairs and the intricacies of managing her court and relations with Parliament. He advised her on key appointments and helped her understand the constitutional limits of her power. His guidance was crucial in helping Victoria establish her role as a constitutional monarch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s governess, Baroness Louise Lehzen, was a significant figure in her early life. Lehzen had been involved with Victoria since she was five years old. While her mother was controlling, Lehzen had a profound influence on young Victoria. She encouraged her to be strong, was incredibly protective and had influence on her education and personal development. In contrast to Victoria’s cold mother, Lehzen was a confidante and real mother figure, offering emotional support and guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Leopold, Victoria’s maternal uncle, was also a key advisor and ally. He would advise Victoria before she ascended the throne, and would continue to advise her once she was Queen. Leopold was keen for the relationship between her eventual husband Alfred, and the queen to develop. So much so that he was instrumental in arranging the initial meeting between the young couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Albert came into her life a bit later, after her early years as queen, he quickly became her most trusted ally and partner. Their marriage in 1840 marked the beginning of a profound partnership, with Albert providing support and advice in both personal and state matters. More on Albert later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The love story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert<\/a> is quite a romantic one. A story of true love, they first met as teenagers and were first cousins. This wasn’t uncommon for royalty to marry within the family back then. Their courtship lasted a few years, encouraged by their shared uncle, King Leopold 1st of Belgium. Eventually their courtship culminated in their marriage in 1840. They had a profound partnership, both personally and politically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their marriage produced nine children, and through their offspring, they are related to many European royal families. This has earned Victoria the nickname as the the ‘Grandmother Of Europe’ as her family line<\/a> is spread across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Albert had a massive influence on Victoria. He quickly replaced Melbourne as the dominant male influence in her life. He became Victoria’s confidant, advisor, and the love of her life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria did nothing without her husband\u2019s approval. Albert assisted in her royal duties. He introduced a strict decorum in court and made a point of straitlaced behaviour. Albert also gave a more conservative tinge to Victoria\u2019s politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s reign was a time of significant political change. She had her conflicts with Parliament for sure. At the same time though, she played a crucial role in the transition to a more modern, constitutional monarchy. Her husband, Prince Albert, though receiving little affection from the public at the time, was instrumental in advising her on political matters. During her reign, Britain saw many reforms, including the expansion of the voting franchise and social reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Huge changes were starting to take place in laws around the workplace, welfare, child labour<\/a> and industry. This was Britain’s pivotal moment, politically and socially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5th In Line For The Throne, So How Did Victoria Become Queen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5 Key Facts from Queen Victoria\u2019s Early Childhood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Victoria\u2019s School Years<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA Young Queen Crowned<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Good Friends And Allies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Viscount Melbourne<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Baroness Lehzen <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
King Leopold I of Belgium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Prince Albert<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Key Facts From Queen Victoria\u2019s Early Reign<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Queen Victoria and Prince Albert<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nVictoria and Politics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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