Queen Victoria, one of the most iconic monarchs in British history, came to power in 1837 at the young age of 18. Her reign lasted for 63 years and 7 months, making her the longest-reigning British monarch until Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her record in 2015.

However, becoming queen was not an easy journey for Victoria. She faced numerous challenges and obstacles during her early years on the throne that shaped her into the strong and beloved queen that she is remembered as today.

As a child, Victoria was secluded and sheltered from the world by her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her mother’s advisor, Sir John Conroy. They hoped to control and manipulate her to maintain power until she came of age. But their plan backfired when Victoria’s uncle, King William IV, passed away in 1837, leaving her as the sole heir to the throne.

Victoria’s accession to the throne was a significant and historic moment in British history. She was the first queen to rule in her own right without a male regent or husband. Her coronation was a lavish affair, attended by over 400,000 people, and it marked the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy.

At the beginning of her reign, Victoria faced many challenges, both personal and political. She had to navigate the complexities of being a young queen in a male-dominated society, which was not an easy task. Additionally, she had to deal with conflicts within her own royal household, particularly with her mother and Sir Conroy, who continued to interfere in her decisions.

One of the defining moments of Victoria’s early years as queen was her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840. The two were in love and shared a strong partnership, but their marriage was not initially well-received by the public. Many were skeptical of a German prince marrying the queen of England, but over time, as they saw the love and devotion between the two, their opinion changed, and Albert became a beloved figure in Britain.

As queen, Victoria had a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards her country and her people. She took her role seriously and devoted herself to carrying out her duties as a monarch. She worked closely with her Prime Ministers, even though she did not always agree with them, and was known for her sharp intelligence and interest in government affairs.

One of the most significant events that shaped Victoria’s early years on the throne was the Great Exhibition of 1851. Organized by Prince Albert, the exhibition showcased the advancements of the Industrial Revolution and celebrated Britain’s role as a world power. The exhibition was a resounding success, and Victoria, who had doubts about it at first, became a staunch supporter of industrial progress and British pride.

Despite facing many challenges and setbacks, Victoria’s reign in the early years was marked by progress and stability. She transformed the monarchy from a figurehead into a powerful institution with the support of her husband and her strong will.

In conclusion, the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign were crucial in shaping her into the iconic monarch that she is remembered as today. From her isolated childhood to her marriage to Prince Albert and her dedication to her duties, Victoria proved her resilience and strength as a queen. Her reign left a lasting impact on British society and set the standard for future monarchs to come.