This is Queen Victoria.
She was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for 63 years.
Queen Victoria married Prince Albert from Germany.
The queen's reign is known as the Victorian age.
Watch: Queen Victoria's reign
Nearly 200 years ago, Britain had a queen called Victoria.
She was tiny – less than a metre and a half tall. But she wasn't just a queen. Victoria was an empress too!
At the time, Britain had an Empire of many countries which it controlled. 400 million people across the world called Victoria their Queen.
Victoria was eighteen when she became Queen. At the time, the Royal Family was unpopular. But people liked this new Queen!
Three years later she married Prince Albert. Because she was the Queen, he couldn't ask her to marry him, so SHE had to ask HIM! They were very in love and had nine children and 40 grandchildren. Some of their children married princes and princesses from countries across Europe, like Russia and Germany. This is why Victoria was called the Grandmother of Europe!
When Albert died, aged 42, Victoria was extremely upset. She had loved him very much. She was so sad she decided to dress in black clothes for the rest of her life.
Britain changed a lot during her reign.
Steam railways spread across the country. People had their photos taken for the first time. They even enjoyed the first chocolate Easter eggs!
As Victoria grew older, she visited many towns and cities. People came out in crowds to cheer for her.
Victoria was Queen for 63 years! She reigned longer than any king or queen before her.
She was one of the most famous queens that ever lived.
A tiny lady with a big personality, whose time in power is remembered today as ‘The Victorian Age’.
The life of Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria was only 18 when she became Queen.
At the start of Queen Victoria’s reign, many children had to work. By the time the queen died, more children were able to go to school.
When Victoria became Queen in 1837, most people travelled by horse or on foot. The Railway Age began during the queen's reign.
Prince Albert died when he was 42. Queen Victoria was extremely upset. The queen was so sad that she dressed in black clothes for the rest of her life.
Did you know?
- Victoria and Albert had nine children.
- Prince Albert was born in Germany. Victoria and Albert spoke to each other in English and German.
- Victoria and Albert made the tradition of Christmas trees popular in Britain.
Activity 1 – Sort the events of Queen Victoria's life
Activity 2 – Queen Victoria quiz
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