Life of Her Majesty Queen Victoria

Front matter

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Preface

The approaching Jubilee of the Queen’s reign offers a favourable opportunity for relating the story of her Majesty’s life. This I have endeavoured to trace in the following pages. All sources of information have been consulted, and I have dealt as fully as possible with the inner life of the Sovereign from the time of childhood to that of mature age. Although deprived of a father’s care in her infancy, it will be seen how, in her early years, she was tended by the loving ministrations of a wise mother. The chapter “ Victoria Regina ” gives a full account of her accession to the throne, while the one immediately ensuing deals with her happy marriage, when she found a devoted partner in the Prince Consort, and one able to guide her in important matters as well as to sustain her by his affection. Succeeding chapters show the home life of the royal couple and their children, together with vi

PREFACE.

tlieir movements and public appearances. One section fiirnislies details of the severe affliction wliicb befell the Queen and tbe nation by tbe death of tire Prince Consort; and the remaining chapters describe the Queen’s life and public labours since that melancholy event. While Englishmen may differ upon theories of government, all may unite, after a study of her Majesty’s character and career, in recognizing in her the dutiful child, the loving wife, the watchful and affectionate mother, and the judicious Sovereign.

G. B. S.

CONTENTS cmp.

I Early Years

II. Victoria Eegina .

IIT. Eetiiothal and Marriage . , ,

IV. Wedded Happiness . . . .

V. Joys and Cares of Home and State .

VI. Last Years of Wedded Life

VII. Heath of the Prince Consort .

VIII. Early Hays of YHdowhood . . .

IX. Later Years of the Queen’s Eeign . X. Characteristics. — Conclusion . ,

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THE LIFE

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QUEEN VICTORIA.