Marriage to Prince Albert

In 1840, at the age of 20, Victoria married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Initially she was keen to assert her authority over her husband, even choosing Albert’s household for him. The unusual marriage dynamic was a source of contention for the couple – Albert often bemoaned that he could never truly be ‘master in his house’.

However, after two years of marriage it was clear that Albert had become the dominant partner in the relationship. At the same time, Victoria embraced the popular, submissive role of a wife, as women were perceived to be naturally inferior to and dependent on men. Victoria increasingly relied on Albert in political matters, particularly foreign affairs. He essentially became king in all but name, forming a sort of dual monarchy.

Empress of India and Grandmother of Europe

Victoria became more politically active in the later years of her reign. In 1876 the government granted her the title Empress of India, as a means to tie the monarchy more closely with the British Empire. She installed Indian servants within her household and learnt Hindi, although she never visited the country.

Her love for Indian culture was reflected at Osborne, where a new wing was built in 1890–92. The magnificent dining room on its ground floor was known as the Durbar Room – its rich decoration was inspired by the architectural styles of northern India. The elaborate plasterwork in the Durbar Room was executed by the Indian plasterer Bhai Ram Singh.

By the time of her golden jubilee in 1887, Victoria was known as the grandmother of Europe – her children had married European royalty and played key roles in European affairs. In 1914 Victoria and Albert’s grandchildren occupied the thrones of eight European countries. Today Victoria’s legacy is present around the world. Hundreds of statues of the queen, together with countless streets and public buildings named after her, make her one of Britain’s most famous monarchs.