
Queen Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign, known as the Victorian Era, was marked by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes within the United Kingdom, and was characterized by a strict code of morality and personal conduct. Victoria ascended to the throne at the age of 18 and became a symbol of British imperial pride, overseeing the expansion of the British Empire to its zenith. Her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was a significant aspect of her life, and together they had nine children, who married into various European royal families, earning her the nickname 'the grandmother of Europe.' Victoria's literary contributions include her diaries, which provide a detailed account of her personal thoughts and experiences, revealing the inner workings of the monarchy and her perspectives on the events of her time. Her reign also saw the rise of the novel as a prominent literary form, with authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot gaining popularity. Victoria's legacy is multifaceted; she is remembered not only for her role in shaping the British monarchy and empire but also for her influence on societal norms and values during a time of great change. Her long reign left an indelible mark on British history, and she remains a significant figure in discussions of monarchy and empire in the modern world.
“A rule which I cannot sufficiently recommend is, never to permit people to speak on subjects concerning yourself or your affairs, without your having yourself desired them to do so. The moment a person behaves improperly on this subject, change the conversation, and make the individual feel that he has made a mistake.... People will certainly try to speak to you on your own personal affairs; decline it boldly, and they will leave you alone....””
“To these qualities must be added one which is of great importance, this is discretion; humble as it seems, it has often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from it....””