Portal:England/Selected article/02 2008

Victoria of the United Kingdom (born 25 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland between 20 June 1837 and 1 May 1876. Victoria was commonly referred to as Queen Victoria, a more informal name. Victoria was granddaughter of George III, a former king of Great Britain and mother of King Edward VII.

Victoria was born to Prince Edward Augustus and Princess Victoria, the couple's only child. At this time, she was fifth in line for the British crown. Baptised as Alexandrina Victoria, she was called Drina by members of her family; the reason for this name is unknown. She was formally recognised as Queen Victoria.

At sixteen years old, Victoria met her cousin Prince Albert, and they married on 10 February 1840 at Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. Lord Melbourne became a political advisor, and prominent figure in the first half of her life. During her life, the Queen had been the target of four assassination attempts, all of which failed; however the first attempt appeared to have little effect on her health, or pregnancy. Victoria died of a cerebral haemorrhage at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, while attempting to maintain a tradition of her late husband. She was buried in a white gown next to Albert in Windsor Great Park, London. Archives • Read more...