Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history, is often associated with her stoic portraits and the Victorian era. However, beyond the widely known details of her life, there are numerous fascinating and lesser-known aspects that shed light on the complexity of her character and the times in which she lived. Here are 23 rather uncommon facts about Queen Victoria:
1. Childhood in Isolation
Victoria spent much of her childhood secluded at Kensington Palace. Her domineering mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her advisor, Sir John Conroy, sought to control her upbringing, leading to a lonely and sheltered childhood.
2. Multilingual Monarch
Queen Victoria was proficient in several languages, including English, German, French, and Hindustani. This linguistic prowess allowed her to communicate with a diverse range of people within her vast empire.
3. Marriage Proposal
Victoria proposed to her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, rather than the other way around. This unconventional move marked the beginning of a deep and enduring love between the royal couple.
4. Victoria’s Offspring
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children, and their marriages strategically connected them to various European royal families. Victoria became known as the “Grandmother of Europe” due to the widespread royal connections.
5. Victoria’s Indian Heritage
Queen Victoria was fascinated by Indian culture and art. She was presented with a carved ivory throne and a gift of jewels from the Maharaja of Lahore, solidifying her interest in India.
6. Mourning Jewelry Trendsetter
After the death of her beloved Prince Albert, Victoria entered a prolonged period of mourning. She popularized mourning jewelry, often incorporating the deceased’s hair into intricate designs as a way to commemorate lost loved ones.
7. First Christmas Tree
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are credited with popularizing the Christmas tree tradition in Britain. The royal couple had a decorated Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841, and illustrations of their festive celebration spread throughout the country.
8. Influence on Fashion
Victoria set trends in fashion, popularizing the white wedding dress. Her choice of a white gown for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 inspired brides across the Western world to adopt the same color.
9. Photography Enthusiast
Queen Victoria had a keen interest in photography and was an early adopter of the medium. She and Prince Albert often posed for portraits, contributing to the growing popularity of photography during the Victorian era.
10. Birth of the Royal Family
The tradition of the British royal family gathering at Sandringham for Christmas started with Queen Victoria. She wanted to create a more private and intimate family celebration away from the formalities of court life.
11. Sketching as a Pastime
Victoria enjoyed sketching and kept detailed diaries throughout her life. Her sketches provide a personal glimpse into her world and the places she visited.
12. Narrow Escape from Assassination
In 1840, just months after her marriage, Victoria survived an assassination attempt by Edward Oxford. Oxford’s shots missed, but the incident highlighted the dangers faced by the young queen.
13. Close Relationship with Prime Ministers
Victoria had a particularly close relationship with her Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. Despite their differing political views, they shared a mutual respect and friendship.
14. Unconventional Coronation Gown
For her coronation in 1838, Victoria broke with tradition by wearing a simple white gown. This departure from the elaborate coronation attire set a new standard for simplicity and elegance.
15. Patron of the Arts
Queen Victoria supported and encouraged the arts, particularly literature. Charles Dickens was one of her favorite authors, and she corresponded with him regularly.
16. Golden and Diamond Jubilees
Victoria celebrated both a Golden Jubilee in 1887, marking 50 years on the throne, and a Diamond Jubilee in 1897, commemorating 60 years. These milestones were unprecedented in British history.
17. First Monarch to Ride a Train
Victoria became the first British monarch to ride a train in 1842. She traveled from Slough to Paddington, marking the beginning of the royal family’s association with the expanding railway network.
18. Survived Numerous Assassination Attempts
In addition to the 1840 attempt, Queen Victoria faced several other assassination attempts during her reign, demonstrating the challenges and risks associated with royal life in the 19th century.
19. Animal Lover
Victoria had a deep affection for animals, and her fondness for dogs, in particular, is well-documented. She had a menagerie of pets, including Dash, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
20. Last British Monarch of the Hanover Dynasty
Queen Victoria was the last British monarch from the House of Hanover. Upon her death, the throne passed to her son, Edward VII, marking the beginning of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
21. Political Influence
Despite constitutional constraints, Victoria exercised considerable political influence behind the scenes. She corresponded with politicians and expressed her opinions on various issues, earning her the nickname “The Widow of Windsor.”
22. Secret Escape Routes
Worried about potential uprisings, Victoria had secret escape routes built in various royal residences, allowing her to flee quickly if necessary.
23. Coining the Term “Anesthesia”
Queen Victoria played a role in popularizing the use of anesthesia during childbirth. After giving birth to Prince Leopold in 1853 with the help of chloroform, she praised the pain-relieving effects, contributing to the acceptance of anesthesia in obstetrics.
Queen Victoria’s life was filled with intriguing details that go beyond the conventional narrative. From her unconventional proposal to her love of the arts and animals, these lesser-known aspects add depth to our understanding of this iconic monarch and the era she presided over.
WRITTEN BY COLLINS