Queen Victoria

Hello. My name is Alexandrina Victoria, but the world came to know me as Queen Victoria. My story begins on May 24th, 1819, when I was born at Kensington Palace in London. My childhood was not like that of most girls. It was very quiet and disciplined, and I had to follow many strict rules set by my mother. I spent my days studying and playing with my dolls, mostly on my own. For many years, I had no idea about the future that was planned for me. I remember how surprised I was when, as a young girl, I was told that I would one day become the queen of the great British Empire. The thought was so big it was hard to imagine.

Everything changed on a morning in 1837. I was woken up and told that my uncle, King William IV, had passed away during the night. At only 18 years old, I was now the queen. The weight of that responsibility settled on my shoulders, but I also felt a surge of excitement for what lay ahead. My coronation took place in 1838, a grand ceremony where I officially promised to serve my country. A short time later, my life changed again when my dear cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, came to visit. We fell deeply in love, and because I was the queen, it was my duty to propose to him. We were married in 1840, and he was more than just my husband; he became my most trusted advisor and dearest friend.

The years I ruled were a time of amazing progress and discovery. So much happened that people began to call this period the Victorian era, after me. It must have felt like the world was changing at lightning speed. Suddenly, there were steam trains racing across the countryside, connecting cities like never before. People could capture a moment forever with a new invention called photography, and soon they could even speak to one another over long distances using the telephone. My dear Albert was also fascinated by progress. In 1851, he helped organize the Great Exhibition, a magnificent fair held in a giant glass building called the Crystal Palace. It showcased incredible inventions from all over the world. During these busy years, Albert and I also had a large and happy family, with nine children who filled our lives with joy.

My long reign had times of great happiness and also deep sadness. In 1861, my world was shattered when my beloved Albert died. My grief was so immense that I wore black clothing every day for many years to remember him. It was a difficult time, but I knew I still had a duty to my country. I continued my work as queen, even with a heavy heart. As years passed, my people showed their love and support for me. In 1887, the whole country celebrated my Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne. Then, ten years later in 1897, we celebrated my Diamond Jubilee for 60 years as queen. Seeing the crowds cheer and the streets filled with decorations brought me great joy.

My reign lasted for almost 64 years, which was longer than any British monarch who had come before me. I lived to be 81 years old. Today, when people look back at my time on the throne, they remember the Victorian era as a time of incredible progress and change that helped shape the modern world. I hope I am also remembered for my great love for my family and my deep and lasting devotion to my country.