Home and Empire

As Queen of Britain and its expanding Empire, Victoria’s opinions and influence reached far beyond the confines of the Royal palaces. The Queen engaged fully with her Government with regard to politics and foreign policy, and took a keen interest in her Empire and its people.

As Head of State, Queen Victoria also had a public role, which included ceremonial obligations, engagements around Britain, hosting visits from foreign rulers, and social occasions such as balls and garden parties. Although Queen Victoria withdrew from public life for some years following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, she did resume some official engagements towards the end of the 1860s.