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Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom

Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, known as the Victorian era. She expanded the British Empire and was granted the title Empress of India. Married to Prince Albert, she had nine children and became the 'grandmother of Europe'. Victoria's strict personal morality made her a national icon.

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Timeline

Birth of Queen Victoria

Alexandrina Victoria, who would later become Queen Victoria, is born in Kensington Palace, London.

Introduction of Victoria to Prince Albert

In May 1836, Victoria was introduced to Prince Albert by her maternal uncle Leopold, who hoped for them to marry. Despite other matrimonial plans, Victoria was impressed by Albert's qualities and appearance.

Queen Victoria ascends to the throne

On June 20, 1837, Queen Victoria ascended to the throne.

Queen Victoria's Coronation

Queen Victoria's coronation took place on 28 June, with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. It attracted over 400,000 visitors.

Slavery abolished in the British Empire

On 1 August 1838, over 700,000 slaves were freed in the British Caribbean as the apprenticeship period ended. Plantation owners were compensated by the government, while the former slaves received nothing.

Queen Victoria's Proposal to Prince Albert

Queen Victoria expressed her desire to marry Prince Albert in her journal, stating that she would be extremely happy if he consented. They embraced each other affectionately, and Victoria felt overwhelming joy at being loved by such an angel as Albert.

Queen Victoria's Wedding at St James’ Palace Chapel

Queen Victoria married Prince Albert at St James’ Palace Chapel on the 10th of February 1840. Dressed in white, she set a trend for future brides with her choice of attire.

Queen Victoria marries Albert of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha

Queen Victoria marries her cousin Albert of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha in 1840.

Queen Victoria's Bridesmaids Dress Design

Queen Victoria sketched a simple white dress design with rose trims for her bridesmaids, which was then made under the supervision of her Mistress of the Robes, The Duchess of Sutherland.

Birth of Albert Edward, future Edward VII

Albert Edward, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and future Edward VII of Great Britain, is born in 1841.

Alice marries Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine

In 1843, Alice, daughter of Queen Victoria, married Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine. This marriage strengthened ties between the British and German royalty.

Potato Blight in Ireland

In 1845, Ireland was hit by a potato blight, leading to the Great Famine where over a million Irish people died and another million emigrated. Queen Victoria's response to the famine was controversial.

Helena marries Christian of Schleswig-Holstein

In 1846, Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria, married Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. This marriage contributed to diplomatic relations between Britain and the German states.

The Death of Lord Melbourne

Lord Melbourne, a former Prime Minister, who had a significant influence on Queen Victoria's understanding of government and politics, passed away. After his death, Prince Albert took on the role of advising the Queen, essentially becoming her Private Secretary.

Presentation of Koh-i-Noor diamond to Queen Victoria

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is presented to Queen Victoria in July 1850.

Albert buys Balmoral

In 1852, Prince Albert purchased Balmoral as a private residence for the royal family. The estate in Scotland became a beloved retreat for Queen Victoria and her family.

Birth of Princess Beatrice

In 1853, Queen Victoria gave birth to her ninth and final child, Beatrice, with the aid of chloroform. Despite opposition, Victoria was impressed by the pain relief provided by the anaesthetic.

Victoria and Albert re-enacted their wedding photograph

In 1854, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert re-enacted their wedding for a photograph.

Victoria and Albert's Visit to Paris

Victoria and Albert returned Napoleon III's visit by traveling to Paris in August 1855. They were accompanied by Napoleon III to various significant locations in the city, including the Exposition Universelle and Napoleon I's tomb at Les Invalides.

Founding of the Victoria Cross

Queen Victoria founded the Victoria Cross on February 5, 1856. It is the highest award for gallantry that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Transfer of Power from East India Company to British Empire

After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British East India Company was dissolved, and British possessions in India were formally incorporated into the British Empire. Queen Victoria emphasized religious toleration and generosity in the official proclamation.

Victoria and Albert's Visit to Cherbourg

Victoria and Albert attended the opening of a new basin at the French military port of Cherbourg in August 1858. The visit was part of Napoleon III's efforts to reassure Britain about his military preparations.

Marriage of Victoria's Eldest Daughter to Prince Frederick William of Prussia

Victoria's eldest daughter married Prince Frederick William of Prussia in London, eleven days after the assassination attempt on Napoleon III. The marriage was seen as a potential liberalizing influence in Prussia.

Founding of the Order of the Star of India

Queen Victoria founded the Order of the Star of India on June 25, 1861. It was an order of chivalry for the Indian Empire.

Death of Prince Albert

Prince Albert died of Typhoid Fever at the age of 42 in The Blue Room at Windsor Castle. Queen Victoria mourned his death by wearing black and a widow's cap for the remainder of her reign.

Founding of the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert

Queen Victoria founded the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert on February 10, 1862. It was a dynastic order of knighthood.

Queen Victoria opens Parliament

Queen Victoria was persuaded to open Parliament in person in 1866, marking a significant moment in her public life. This event was met with criticism due to her previous seclusion.

Second Reform Act

The Second Reform Act of 1867 broadened the social and economic base of the electorate during Queen Victoria's reign, moving political power away from the sovereign.

Irish Church Disestablishment Act

Queen Victoria mediated between the Commons and the Lords during the passing of the Irish Church Disestablishment Act of 1869, showcasing her influence in political matters.

Death of Albert, Prince Consort

Albert, Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria, passed away on April 8, 1871.

Victoria Becomes Empress of India

Victoria took the title of 'Empress of India' on 1 May 1876, as per the Royal Titles Act 1876 pushed through by Disraeli. The new title was proclaimed at the Delhi Durbar on 1 January 1877.

Victoria becomes Empress of India

After the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the government of India was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown, and in 1877 Victoria became Empress of India under the Royal Titles Act passed by Disraeli's government.

Founding of the Order of the Crown of India and the Order of the Indian Empire

Queen Victoria founded the Order of the Crown of India and the Order of the Indian Empire on January 1, 1878. These orders were established to honor service in India.

Queen Victoria becomes Empress of India

On December 14, 1878, Queen Victoria was bestowed with the title of Empress of India.

Queen Victoria's Support for Empire

Queen Victoria was a strong supporter of the British Empire, which aligned her with politicians like Disraeli and the Marquess of Salisbury. This support influenced her relationships with her Prime Ministers.

Assassination Attempt on Queen Victoria

Roderick Maclean, a disgruntled poet, shot at Queen Victoria as her carriage left Windsor railway station. Although he was found not guilty by reason of insanity, Victoria was outraged by the incident.

Death of Leopold, Duke of Albany

In March 1884, Leopold, Duke of Albany, the youngest son of Queen Victoria, died due to a severe fall.

Death of Queen Victoria

On January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria passed away at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight at the age of 81. Her death marked the end of the Victorian era and the House of Hanover's rule in Britain, succeeded by her son Edward VII.

Queen Victoria's Funeral

Queen Victoria's funeral took place on February 2, 1901, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. She was dressed in a white dress and her wedding veil, and an array of mementos were laid in the coffin with her, including items from her extended family, friends, and servants.

Victoria and Albert's Grandchildren on European Thrones

By 1914, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's grandchildren were reigning on the thrones of eight European countries, showcasing the widespread influence of the British royal family.

BBC Proms Celebrate Queen Victoria's 200th Anniversary

BBC Proms held a celebration marking the 200th Anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth.

End of the Timeline
Queen Victoria

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