Five Uncomfortable Facts About Queen Victoria

She blamed her son for her husband’s death

Jacob Wilkins
Lessons from History

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A painting of Queen Victoria by Herbert Smith, 1848 (Wikimedia Commons)

With the possible exception of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria is the most well-known monarch in British history. During her reign, she birthed nine children, oversaw the expansion of Britain’s empire, and became a symbol of longevity and stability.

However, certain aspects of Victoria’s life were far from ideal. In addition to the tragic death of her husband, Victoria had to deal with loneliness, overindulgence, and a troublesome son. She also held opinions that would be condemned if she were alive today.

1. Victoria Had An Unpleasant Childhood

A painting of Queen Victoria during her childhood by Stephen Poyntz Denning, 1823 (Wikimedia Commons)

Though Victoria grew up with many luxurious and material privileges, her childhood was tough.

Unlike most children from this era, Victoria had little contact with girls and boys her own age. Rather, she grew up under the watchful eye of her overprotective mother and her household servants in Kensington Palace. She wasn’t even allowed to walk down the stairs without someone holding her hand.

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