What did people think of Queen Victoria?

Answer 1

When she came to the throne in 1837, most people wouldn't have bet tuppence on the future of the Monarchy, because it had become so unpopular, and there was a lot of republicanism in the air.

However, they found this 18-year old Queen to be a refreshing change, and decided to withhold their criticism, while she married her young cousin Albert, and promptly started a large family, which they raised in a strict and sensible manner.

She remained popular, until Albert's sudden early death, after which she became a reclusive widow, refusing to attend public events.

People began to resent the high cost of the Monarchy, while they were feeling deprived of the pageantry that they expected of it.

Also the newly-literate workers were spreading a lot of socialism, and there was a resurgence of republican feeling.

Still, her Diamond Jubilee at the height of imperial power and prestige in 1897 was an impressive event, attended by many foreign visitors, and at her death in 1901, she was genuinely mourned by many.