Queen Victoria Moves Into Windsor
Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, at only 18 years old, and chose Windsor Castle as her primary royal residence. Windsor held many of Queen Victoria’s important milestone events. She held her 20th birthday ball at the castle, her honeymoon with Prince Albert, and Windsor became a headquarters for her family life as they raised their children. Throughout their time at Windsor, the castle underwent many renovations and modernizations. Many of these renovations followed along with what is now known as Victorian architecture and design, named after the queen herself. During this time, Queen Victoria influenced the shift of royal family burials from Westminster Abbey to St. George’s Chapel at Windsor.
In 1861, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, passed away at Windsor Castle. This caused her immense grief and changed her opinion of Windsor Castle. She described the castle as “prison-like” and likened it to a dungeon. Prince Albert’s death in Windsor caused Queen Victoria to memorialize The Blue Room, where he died, and turned it into a sacred shrine to honor him and some other royals who passed away in the room including King William IV and King George IV.
Queen Victoria’s milestones continued in 1897 when she celebrated her 60th year on the throne with her diamond jubilee at Windsor. The monumental occasion was held on June 20th, 1897 with a private celebration in St. George’s Chapel. This marked the end of her long relationship with Windsor, as she passed away 4 years later. At the time, she was the longest reigning British monarch, serving for 64 years.
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