# Benjamin Disraeli — Queen Victoria character guide

> Benjamin Disraeli in Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Disraeli, Mr. Disraeli, Lord Beaconsfield, Earl of Beaconsfield

**First appearance:** 0044-viii-gladstone-and-lord-beaconsfield

## Snapshot

The novelist-turned-Premier who flattered Victoria with gossipy letters and 'we authors, ma'am,' becoming the rare minister she counted a friend.

## Who they are

Disraeli's charm worked on the Queen where policy could not: his letters read like his best fiction, and she sent him flowers picked by her own hands. Their friendship, sealed by his brief 1868 ministry, gave Victoria a minister she trusted and a political ally she mourned losing. Against Gladstone's reforming zeal, Disraeli's warmth defines the emotional weather of her middle reign.

## In the story

### [Queen Victoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/queen-victoria)

Prime Minister who cultivated a close relationship with Victoria and championed her imperial role.

### [VII: Widowhood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vii-widowhood)

Quoted for his hypothetical prophecy that Albert's continued life would have led to 'the blessings of absolute government.'

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i)

Quoted as saying 'With Prince Albert we have buried our sovereign' and that Albert would have given England 'the blessings of absolute government.'

### [VIII: Gladstone and Lord Beaconsfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/viii-gladstone-and-lord-beaconsfield)

Disraeli becomes Victoria's favorite minister through his understanding of her grief, flattery, and political support, treating her as both woman and queen.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i)

Wins Victoria's favor through his reverential eulogies of Albert and his personal, novelistic correspondence; becomes her trusted friend and Prime Minister.

### [The Faery and the Prime Minister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii)

The Prime Minister who skillfully cultivates a personal relationship with Victoria, using flattery and charm to influence her. He champions the Royal Titles Act and a 'spirited foreign policy,' and is rewarded with her unwavering support.

### [Old Age](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ix-old-age)

Mentioned as a great Minister who influenced the Queen's imperial views.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii)

Lord Beaconsfield, whose death in 1881 was a significant personal loss for the Queen.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii)

Referenced as a former Prime Minister who was offered a chair by Victoria, but declined; noted for his influence on her.

### [The Apotheosis of Victoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv)

Noted as Victoria's tutor in imperialism, fostering her love for India and the East.

### [X: The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/x-the-end)

Recalled in Victoria's fading memories, associated with primroses at Osborne.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/mr_disraeli
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters