Queen Victoria, born Alexandrina Victoria, was born 199 years ago today.

She was the daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent and Princess Victoire of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Edward was the fourth son of King George III and Queen Charlotte.

She became Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. On 1 May 1876, Queen Victoria also adopted the title Empress of India.

Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on 10 February 1840. They had nine children.

Victoria, Princess Royal – born 21 November 1840

Albert, Prince of Wales – born 9 November 1841

Princess Alice – born 25 April 1843

Prince Alfred – born 6 August 1844

Princess Helena – born 25 May 1846

Princess Louise – born 18 March 1848

Prince Arthur – born 1 May 1850

Prince Leopold – born 7 April 1853

Princess Beatrice – 14 April 1857

As the child of a fourth son, Victoria in all probability should not have expected to accede to the throne, however, her eldest (and only) legitimate cousin, Charlotte, who was second in line to the throne, had died in childbirth aged 21 (read more here).

Victoria was queen for 63 years, seven months and two days.

Images: Wikimedia Commons

Source: Britanica.com