Full name:  Victoria Born:  24th May 1819 Place of Birth:  Kensington Palace, London Ascended to the throne:  20th June 1837, aged 18 years Crowned:  28th June 1838, at Westminster Abbey Reign:  63 years Died:  22nd January 1901, Osborne House, Isle of Wight

As the longest serving British monarch, Victoria was born on 24 May 1819, the only child of Edward, Duke of Kent, and Victoria Maria Louisa of Saxe-Coburg.

In 1837, Victoria became Queen at the age of 18, when she succeeded her uncle, William IV.

Victoria was extremely popular throughout her early years, this only increased after her courageous attitude towards the many attempts on her life.

Victoria was influenced by two men; her first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, and her husband, Prince Albert, whom she married in 1840.

Victoria both loved, and relied heavily on Albert. When he died in 1861, she withdrew from public life, and sunk into a depression.

Her reign lasted almost 64 years, the longest so far in British history. During her reign, Victoria oversaw major social changes; changes in government, industrial growth and the expansion of a worldwide empire.

By 1877, her empire included India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the majority of Africa.

Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 1887, and her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Victoria's reign ended when she died 22 January 1901, and Edward VII took the throne.