Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. At the time of her birth, she was not expected to ascend to the throne, but the deaths of her father and her three uncles without legitimate heirs would eventually lead to her succession.

Following the death of her uncle, King William IV, Victoria became the Queen of the United Kingdom at the age of 18. This marked the beginning of her reign, which would last for 63 years and 216 days. She was informed of her new status early in the morning and began her reign with determination and calmness, despite her young age.