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10 Lesser-Known Facts About Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria is one of the most famous monarchs in British history, but there are many lesser-known facts about her that you might not k now.
From 1837 until her passing in 1901, she served as queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Huge political, social, and technological upheavals characterised her reign, sometimes known as the Victorian era.
Even though Queen Victoria is well-known, there are many lesser-known facts about her life and reign that shed further light on her personality and influence on British history.
These lesser-known facets about Queen Victoria offer fascinating insights into her character, fortitude, and the lasting influence she had on the United Kingdom. We compiled these facts about her so that you can learn more about the person who held the throne and the historical setting in which she governed.
10 Lesser Known Facts About Queen Victoria
Here are the lesser-known facts about Queen Victoria:
1. She was The One Who Proposed to Her Husband
Victoria’s love story with Prince Albert remains one of the most enduring tales of romance in British history. While their deep love and devotion to each other are widely recognized, there is a lesser-known twist to their story: it was Queen Victoria herself who proposed to Albert.
Breaking traditional gender roles and societal norms of the time, Victoria took the initiative and asked for Albert’s hand in marriage. The proposal took place on October 15, 1839, a mere five days after Albert was granted the title of Prince Consort.
Victoria, determined to secure her union with the man she loved, seized the opportunity to propose. In a private setting, she approached Albert with her heartfelt declaration, asking him to become her husband and partner in ruling the kingdom.
This remarkable act of proposing showcased Queen Victoria’s independence, strength of character, and willingness to challenge conventional expectations. It was a testament to her deep affection for Albert and her desire to create a loving and equal partnership.
2. Queen Victoria Can Speak Many Languages
Queen Victoria possessed remarkable language skills and was proficient in multiple languages. In addition to her native English, she was fluent in German, French, and Hindustani (a language spoken in parts of the Indian subcontinent).
This linguistic prowess allowed her to engage with foreign dignitaries on a more personal and intimate level, as she could communicate with them in their native languages.
Her fluency in German was particularly significant, as she was of German descent through her mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Victoria used German as the language of her private conversations and correspondence with her beloved husband, Prince Albert, who was also a native German speaker. Their ability to communicate freely in their shared language undoubtedly deepened their connection and strengthened their partnership.
3. She was First British Monarch to Travel by Train
Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to travel by train. Her reign witnessed a significant milestone in transportation; on June 13, 1842, she made history by travelling by train from Slough to London, setting a precedent that would shape the future of royal and public transportation.
With its record-breaking speed and efficiency, the steam-powered locomotive that carried Queen Victoria on her first royal train signalled the beginning of a new era. The occasion represented the monarchy’s acceptance of the rapidly expanding railway system and its understanding of the innovation’s revolutionary potential.
Beyond mere convenience, Queen Victoria’s decision to travel by train had far-reaching effects. It demonstrated the royal family’s capacity to adapt to contemporary developments and strengthened the monarchy’s link to the country’s industrial success. The public’s attention and enthusiasm were also aroused by the occasion as they watched the monarch herself enjoy the benefits of rail travel.
4. Queen Victoria Survived several Assassination Attempts
Several terrifying assassination attempts throughout Queen Victoria’s reign served as a reminder of the dangers and difficulties that monarchs in this age faced. The queen and Prince Albert were the targets of one of the most infamous attempts in 1840 when Edward Oxford targeted them on their carriage trip to Buckingham Palace.
A young man named Edward Oxford made an attempt to assassinate Queen Victoria on that fateful day as the royal pair travelled through the congested streets. Aiming squarely at the monarch, he fired two rounds at their chariot.
Fortunately, Victoria had good fortune on her side because neither shot connected. Oxford’s unsuccessful attempt to harm the queen was met with fast action by onlookers who quickly arrested him.
5. She was the first member of the Royal family to live at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Victoria was the first member of the Royal family to live at Buckingham Palace. The palace was originally built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, but it was not until Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne in 1837 that it became the principal royal residence.
The palace was still under construction when Queen Victoria moved in, and she found it to be quite lacking in amenities. The chimneys smoked so badly that the fires had to be allowed to die down, and consequently the palace was often cold. However, Queen Victoria was determined to make Buckingham Palace her home, and she oversaw a major renovation project that transformed the palace into a grand and comfortable residence.
Queen Victoria lived at Buckingham Palace for 63 years, and during that time it became the centre of British political and social life. The palace was the scene of many important events, including state dinners, royal weddings, and the coronation of Queen Victoria’s successor, King Edward VII.
6. Queen Victoria became Queen at 18
Queen Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom on June 20, 1837, when she was just 18 years old. She was the first member of the Royal family to live at Buckingham Palace, which became her principal residence after her accession to the throne.
She was woken from her bed and was informed that her uncle, King William IV, had suffered a heart attack and died during the night. Less than a month after turning 18, Victoria was Queen.
Victoria was still a young and rather inexperienced monarch at the time of her ascension. Her youth and the fact that she was the first queen to succeed to the throne without a regency period in more than a century presented both chances and obstacles. However, Queen Victoria showed herself to be a capable and tenacious leader, leading the country through a pivotal period in its history.
It’s frequently referred to as the Victorian era because of the length of her rule, which lasted 63 years and 216 days from 1837 until her death in 1901. The British Empire grew during this time, industrialization progressed, and important social and political reforms were implemented.
7. The Great Exhibition
Queen Victoria played a pivotal role in organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851, held at the Crystal Palace in London. The exhibition showcased technological advancements from around the world and emphasized Britain’s position as a global leader in industry and innovation.
The Great Exhibition was the brainchild of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. He was a great admirer of the industrial revolution, and he believed that the exhibition would be a way to showcase Britain’s technological prowess to the world. Queen Victoria was initially sceptical of the idea, but she eventually came around to Prince Albert’s way of thinking.
The exhibition was held in the Crystal Palace, a massive glass and iron structure that was built in Hyde Park, London. The palace was designed by Joseph Paxton, and it was a marvel of engineering. The exhibition was open to the public from May 1 to October 15, 1851, and it attracted over 6 million visitors.
8. First British Monarch to be Photographed
Among the lesser-known facts about Queen Victoria is the fact that she holds the distinction of being the first British monarch to have her image captured through photography. In 1840, she sat for a portrait by the renowned photographer William Henry Fox Talbot, marking a significant milestone in the history of royal portraiture and the medium of photography itself.
Talbot, a pioneer in early photography, utilized his invention of the calotype process to create the portrait of Queen Victoria. The calotype process involved making a negative image on paper, from which multiple positive prints could be produced.
His expertise in this innovative technique allowed him to capture the likeness of the queen with remarkable detail and clarity. Queen Victoria’s decision to be photographed was not only a personal choice but also a reflection of her progressive outlook.
9. She and Her Husband had Nine Children.
Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, indeed had nine children together. Their marriage was blessed with a large and close-knit family, and their children went on to play significant roles in European royalty and politics.
Her children and their descendants had a significant influence on European royal families and played important roles in shaping the politics and culture of their time. Their descendants continue to be part of the royal families of Europe to this day.
All of Queen Victoria’s children survived to adulthood, which was a rare occurrence at the time. They went on to have successful lives of their own, and many of them married into other royal families. Queen Victoria’s descendants can now be found in the royal families of Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Sweden, Norway, and Spain.
10. Introduction of the Christmas Tree
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert played a key role in popularizing the tradition of decorating Christmas trees in Britain. The couple’s love for the festive season and Prince Albert’s German heritage converged to create a lasting Christmas tradition. In 1848, they adorned a tree with lights, ornaments, and presents at Windsor Castle, igniting a trend that would soon captivate the nation.
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. The first Christmas trees were decorated with apples, nuts, and other edible items. Later, candles were added to the trees, which made them a fire hazard. In the 19th century, glass ornaments were invented, which made Christmas trees safer and more decorative.
Today, Christmas trees are a popular tradition all over the world. They are decorated with a variety of ornaments, including glass balls, tinsel, lights, and garlands. Christmas trees are often decorated with figures of Santa Claus, reindeer, and other Christmas symbols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Queen Victoria’s reign was marked by important historical turning points and individualised accomplishments that continue to influence how we view British history.
Queen Victoria made a lasting impression on the Victorian era and beyond with her unexpected engagement proposal to Prince Albert, her crucial role in planning the Great Exhibition, her adoption of photography, and the development of the Christmas tree custom.
Her relationship with Prince Albert served as an example of a strong and committed marriage, and her participation in the Great Exhibition demonstrated Britain’s economic might and position as the world leader in invention.
Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to have her image documented for posterity, and as such, she helped to establish photography as an art form. Furthermore, her role in popularising the Christmas tree custom warmed and delighted many homes during the holiday season.