Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was the Queen of the United Kingdom. She was born in London in 1819. She ruled for 63 years, from 1837 to 1901. Her reign was so long that it became known as the Victorian Era.

Early Life

Victoria became queen at just 18 years old. She married Prince Albert, whom she loved deeply. They had nine children who married into royal families across Europe. She was known as the Grandmother of Europe.

A painting of young Princess Victoria with her mother.
A painting of young Princess Victoria with her mother. (William Beechey / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

During Victoria's reign, the British Empire grew to cover a quarter of the world. The Industrial Revolution brought trains, factories, and new inventions. She was the first monarch to ride a train. She helped make the monarchy popular with the public.

Fun Facts

  • Victoria was only 4 feet 11 inches tall.
  • She proposed to Prince Albert, not the other way around.
  • She was the first British monarch to be photographed.

Did You Know?

Victoria wore black for the last 40 years of her life after Prince Albert died. She missed him terribly. Her nine children and 42 grandchildren married into royal families across Europe.