# Queen Victoria — Queen Victoria character guide > Queen Victoria in Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Victoria, little Vic, The Queen, Vic, Alexandrina Victoria, Drina, the Princess Victoria **First appearance:** 0001-queen-victoria ## Snapshot A girl who vowed at twelve to be good, and kept the vow so relentlessly that half a century of court life bent around her conscience, her griefs, and her iron sense of duty. ## Who they are Victoria inherits a throne at eighteen and immediately becomes the still point of a swirling court, prized by a nation that values goodness above every other human quality. Her temperament fuses ingenuous warmth with an obstinacy her advisers find unnerving, and her devotion to duty shades into a severity that frowns on divorced ladies and remarried widows alike. Strachey follows her from girlish self-will through love, widowhood, and old age, so the early arc of her reign is really the forging of a character that will hold an empire together. ## Relationships ### [Prince Albert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/prince_albert) _romantic_ Deeply devoted husband and wife, forming the central romantic and political partnership of Victoria's life. ### [Lord Melbourne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/lord_melbourne) _friendship_ Victoria's first prime minister and trusted mentor, acting as a fatherly confidant during her early reign. ### [Prince Alexander of Battenberg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/prince_alexander_of_battenberg) _family_ Victoria's grandson (through her daughter Princess Beatrice), with a close and affectionate grandmother-grandson bond. ### [King Leopold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/king_leopold) _family_ Victoria's uncle and trusted advisor, who acted as a surrogate father figure and political guide through extensive correspondence. ### [Lord Palmerston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/lord_palmerston) _rivalry_ A contentious foreign secretary and prime minister who frequently clashed with Victoria over foreign policy and protocol. ### [Baron Stockmar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/baron_stockmar) _professional_ A trusted physician and political advisor who served as a mediator between Victoria and Albert. ### [Baroness Lehzen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/baroness_lehzen) _friendship_ Victoria's beloved governess and companion, who was eventually dismissed due to Albert's influence. ### [Duke of Wellington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/duke_of_wellington) _professional_ The aging military hero who served as a reliable advisor and occasional mediator in political crises. ### [Mr. Gladstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/mr_gladstone) _rivalry_ Victoria's least favorite prime minister, whose moralizing style and liberal policies deeply irritated her. ### [Duchess of Kent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/duchess_of_kent) _family_ Victoria's controlling mother, with whom she had a strained relationship due to the Kensington System and later reconciliation. ### [John Brown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/john_brown) _friendship_ Victoria's devoted Scottish servant and close companion after Albert's death, providing emotional support and loyalty. ### [Prince Albert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/prince_albert) _romantic_ Deeply devoted husband and wife, forming the central romantic and political partnership of Victoria's life. ## In the story ### [Queen Victoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/queen-victoria) Central figure of the chapter, whose life and reign are chronicled from birth to death. ### [I: Antecedents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i-antecedents) Born in May 1819 as Princess Victoria of Kent; becomes heiress presumptive after the deaths of her father and other royal uncles, destined to inherit the throne. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) Born at the end of the chapter on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace, as the only child of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. ### [II: Childhood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii-childhood) The young princess, depicted as sincere, pious, and dutiful, undergoing confirmation and later ascending the throne with composure and dignity. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Born as Alexandrina Victoria; initially receives little attention as a potential heir. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) As a young child called 'Drina', she is described as fat, truthful, and passionate, learning letters under Lehzen and showing early tact and awareness of her royal status. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) As a child, she was recognized as heir-presumptive, educated strictly by her mother, and deeply attached to Baroness Lehzen. She learned of her future role and resolved to be good. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) The young Princess is caught between her mother and the King; she confides in Baroness Lehzen and is distressed by the household conflicts. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/v) Awakened to learn of King William IV's death; holds her first Privy Council with dignity and composure. ### [Lord Melbourne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii-lord-melbourne) Newly ascended queen, asserting her independence and firmness in political negotiations. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Newly ascended queen, asserting independence from her mother and Conroy, and moving to Buckingham Palace. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) The young Queen, guided by Lehzen, Stockmar, and Uncle Leopold's letters, is described as a child in her journal but more composed in her letters, rearranged by her governess. ### [Lord Melbourne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) The young Queen, recently ascended to the throne, is the object of Lord Melbourne's attentive care. She is described as a schoolgirl who has stepped from a nursery to a throne, and Melbourne's manner towards her is reverential, affectionate, and protective. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) Young queen, joyful and energetic, deeply devoted to Lord Melbourne, finds happiness in her duties and simple pleasures. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/v) The young queen navigates her first year of reign, asserting independence from King Leopold's political influence while maintaining affectionate correspondence. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vi) Shows an unyielding front towards King Leopold, a mix of lightheartedness and fixed determination, and a peremptory temper. Her self-will and obstinacy are noted, and she becomes involved in the Lady Flora Hastings scandal. ### [The Bedchamber Crisis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vii) Fiercely resists Peel's demand to replace her Whig Ladies, asserting her royal will and securing Melbourne's return. ### [Happiness and Turmoil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/viii) Grows more assertive and conflicted; initially resists marriage but falls instantly in love with Prince Albert and proposes to him. ### [Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv-marriage) Struggles with the departure of Lord Melbourne, gradually transfers her trust and affection to Prince Albert, and comes to view her earlier reliance on Melbourne as an 'artificial' happiness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as Albert's cousin and intended wife; her eventual acceptance of Albert is noted at the chapter's end. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) Experiences pre-wedding nerves and temper, asserts her independence, and insists on appointing Anson as Albert's secretary. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) Deeply in love with Albert but initially resists his involvement in politics and private life; her arbitrary temper and devotion to Lehzen create tension. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) Describes her complete devotion to Albert, her happiness in domestic life, and her reflections on past versus present happiness. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/v) Adores Albert but fails to fully understand him; her attitude toward Peel softens, and she dreads the return of the Whigs. ### [The Victorian Age in Full Swing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vi) Embraces domesticity and moral purity, distances herself from Lord Melbourne, and oversees the growth of her family. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vii) Opens the Exhibition in a state of delirious joy, later expresses boundless pride in Albert's achievement. ### [V: Lord Palmerston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/v-lord-palmerston) Supportive of Albert's role, delighted when his position is vindicated by Parliament; she has given up society under Albert's influence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as having given up society under Albert's influence and as being closely concerned with the Spanish marriage crisis. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) Shares Albert's opposition to Palmerston's foreign policy; is appalled by the 1848 revolutions and supports conservative monarchies. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) Delighted by parliamentary support for Albert's position; asserts constitutional rights against Palmerston, reflecting her reliance on Albert and Stockmar. ### [Last Years of Prince Consort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vi-last-years-of-prince-consort) Victoria is shown as devoted to Albert, trying to cheer him and improve his status, and later overwhelmed by grief at her mother's death and Albert's fatal illness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Portrayed as devoted and admiring, she works alongside Albert, treasures his words, and supports his educational methods. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) Expresses her passion for the Highlands, enjoys romantic walks and rides, and delights in the simplicity of life at Balmoral. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) Expresses patriotic fervor and maternal affection for soldiers during the Crimean War; becomes captivated by Napoleon III after his visit to Windsor. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) Victoria is emotionally affected by the marriage of her daughter, the death of her mother, and Albert's decline. She shows characteristic determination in political matters and deep grief in personal loss. ### [VII: Widowhood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/vii-widowhood) Grieving and secluded, she devotes herself to work and the memory of Prince Albert, facing public criticism and political isolation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) The Queen felt her true life ended with Albert's death; the remainder of her days are described as a twilight epilogue. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) Grieving widow who resolves to make Albert's wishes her law; engages in political battles over Schleswig-Holstein and faces public criticism for her seclusion. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) Drives the effort to memorialize Prince Albert through authorized biographies and speeches. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) Commissioned and oversaw the construction of the Albert Memorial and other statues, unveiling them herself despite her retirement. ### [VIII: Gladstone and Lord Beaconsfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/viii-gladstone-and-lord-beaconsfield) Victoria reacts with resentment to Gladstone's military reforms but is charmed by Disraeli's flattery and devotion, regaining self-confidence and emerging from seclusion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Expresses strong personal feelings toward her ministers, dislikes Gladstone's formal demeanor and reforms, and deeply appreciates Disraeli's understanding of her grief for Albert. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) The Queen is the subject of public criticism for her seclusion and wealth; she feels cruelly misunderstood and despairing. ### [The Faery and the Prime Minister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) Referred to as 'the Faery' by Disraeli, she is depicted as emotionally responsive to flattery, assertive in her imperial ambitions, and deeply devoted to Disraeli, whom she sees as a kind and considerate friend. ### [Old Age](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ix-old-age) Central figure; described in old age, her sincerity, her love for Balmoral, her family concerns, and her imperial enthusiasm. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/i) Central figure; manages family affairs, corresponds extensively, and finds solace at Balmoral. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/ii) The aging Queen experiences personal losses and a resurgence in popularity, actively engaging in public duties and celebrating her Golden Jubilee. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iii) The central figure, depicted in her later years as a matriarch with an imperious will, enjoying a serene and adoring court, yet enforcing strict etiquette and family authority. ### [The Apotheosis of Victoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/iv) The central figure, depicted as despotic, sincere, and detached from the era's changes, yet beloved during her apotheosis. ### [X: The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/x-the-end) The central figure, whose death and final memories are recounted. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced throughout the endnotes via her letters and biographical works. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters/queen_victoria - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/queen_victoria_se/characters