An In-Depth Exploration of Queen Victoria’s Nine Children

As one of Britain’s most iconic rulers, Queen Victoria is a well-known figure. Alongside her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, she raised nine children, whose lives were shaped by the profound sorrow Victoria experienced following Albert’s untimely death from what was believed to be typhoid in 1861.

Victoria openly expressed her disdain for pregnancy, and her bond with her children was often tumultuous. Despite this, her family was filled with intriguing personalities, and their lives were so filled with controversy and excitement that even the drama of The Crown appears tame by comparison.

1. Victoria, who became the German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840–1901)

Vicky, inheriting her father’s sharp mind and her mother’s strong will, was a spirited child. Victoria often lamented that she was “remarkably intelligent but, unfortunately, equally unruly.” Albert adored Vicky for her intellect, and the two shared a deep connection. Despite being the firstborn, Vicky was not the heir to the throne, as male offspring held priority in the line of succession.

In 1858, Vicky wed Prince Frederick William of Prussia, who would later become the German emperor. Her family envisioned the union as a step toward a more liberal Germany. Though she bore eight children, including the future Kaiser Wilhelm II, Vicky’s impact in Prussia was minimal, as her husband’s reign ended abruptly after just three months due to his death from throat cancer in 1888.

After stepping back from public duties, Vicky reconnected with her mother, exchanging an astonishing 8000 letters. She survived Queen Victoria by only half a year, passing away from breast cancer in 1901.

2. Edward VII (1841–1910)

Referred to as “Bertie” within the family, Victoria deeply wished her successor would mirror his father’s qualities. However, his impulsive nature and lack of focus led her to brand him as “my caricature.” The stricter his parents became in disciplining him, the more rebellious he grew.

In 1861, Bertie’s affair with an actress sparked a major scandal, prompting Albert to rush and reprimand his son. Shortly after returning, the already frail prince consort fell ill and passed away. Victoria held Bertie responsible, expressing, “I can never look at him without feeling a sense of dread.”

While Bertie’s relationship with Victoria improved after his marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, she still denied him any meaningful role, fueling his indulgent lifestyle. However, after Victoria’s passing, he embraced the monarchy’s evolution into a more public-facing institution. Contrary to Victoria’s concerns, Edward VII became a well-loved monarch until his death in 1910.

3. Princess Alice, Duchess of Hesse and Rhine (1843–1878)

As a young girl, Alice was described by Victoria as “easy to commend and rarely causing trouble.” However, she also defied expectations, occasionally sneaking out to smoke with Bertie. Known for her empathy and thoughtfulness, Alice took on the role of the family’s caretaker. At just 18, she tended to her father during his final illness and assumed her mother’s responsibilities, managing the household and communicating with government officials after his passing.

Although her union with Prince Louis of Hesse offered some relief from her family, it did not free her from her mother’s influence. Tensions grew as Victoria criticized Alice’s “unseemly” fascination with human anatomy and her choice to breastfeed her children. (Victoria even named a royal cow “Princess Alice” as a pointed rebuke.)

Amid the Austro-Prussian War, Alice dedicated herself to nursing, exchanging letters with Florence Nightingale and founding organizations to train nurses and enhance social welfare. At the age of 35, she passed away from diphtheria on the same date as her father’s death, 17 years prior.

4. Prince Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844–1900)

Described by Victoria as a “ray of sunshine in the household,” her second son, Alfred, was known for his cheerful and amiable nature. He showed an early interest in science and geography, prompting Albert to lament that “poor Bertie” would inherit the throne rather than him.

Alfred also cultivated a deep love for the Royal Navy, enlisting at 14 and quickly advancing through the ranks. His travels, however, sometimes led to unforeseen events. In 1862, he was chosen to become the King of Greece but had to refuse due to political reasons. Later, during a visit to Australia in 1868, he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.

In 1893, Alfred assumed the title of Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Resentful of the somber environment at his mother’s home and his troubled marriage to Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, he turned to alcohol and ultimately died from throat cancer in 1900 at the age of 55.

5. Princess Helena (1846–1923)

Sensible and laid-back, Helena developed a love for outdoor activities and hands-on pursuits. Victoria often spoke critically of her appearance, remarking that “poor, dear” Helena “does not grow more attractive and struggles with her figure.” Following Albert’s passing, Victoria insisted on having a married daughter stay at home, leading to Helena’s union with the financially struggling Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Despite a 15-year age difference—and Christian initially thinking he was to marry Victoria instead of her daughter—the couple found happiness together.

Helena stayed devoted to her mother and served as a steadying presence. Like her siblings, she developed a passion for nursing, becoming a co-founder of the British Red Cross and heading the British Nurses’ Association. She lived a modest life, dedicating herself to charitable endeavors until her passing in 1923 at 77.

6. Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848–1939)

Artistic and lively, Louise was known as the most striking and defiant of Victoria’s daughters. A gifted artist and sculptor, she became the first British princess to enroll in a public institution when she attended the National Art Training School. Victoria grew to appreciate Louise’s artistic abilities and “strong-willed nature,” but was incensed by her association with feminist leaders such as Josephine Butler and Elizabeth Garrett.

After rumors of romantic entanglements and an unplanned pregnancy, Victoria sought a suitable match for Louise. Her 1871 marriage to the Marquess of Lorne, a British nobleman, was met with public acclaim, with Victoria declaring the ceremony “the most celebrated event of my reign.” However, speculation about Lorne’s sexual orientation and Louise’s alleged affairs cast a shadow over their union, which ultimately lacked affection.

Louise dedicated herself to social causes and charitable efforts until her passing at 91 in 1939. Her sculpture of Victoria, created for the Jubilee, still stands near Kensington Palace. Notably, due to whispers of Louise’s controversial behavior, her records are entirely sealed in the Royal Archives, leaving her full story shrouded in secrecy.

7. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942)

Obedient and disciplined, Arthur was, as Victoria noted, “more cherished than all the others combined.” Like his brother Alfred’s dedication to the navy, Arthur harbored a deep interest in the army, starting his training at 16 and serving in various roles over his 40-year military career.

Arthur maintained a close bond with his mother and enjoyed harmonious relationships with his siblings. His marriage to Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia was long-lasting and fulfilling. Arthur also held the position of Governor General in Canada and remained active in military affairs during both World Wars until his passing at 91 in 1942.

8. Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany (1853–1884)

Following Leopold’s birth, it became evident that he suffered from hemophilia, a hereditary bleeding disorder. Victoria was “constantly worried” about him, leading to a childhood far more sheltered than his siblings’. Despite his illness, Leopold was lively and often resisted his mother’s smothering care, though he formed strong bonds with his brothers and sisters, especially Louise.

Leopold was also the most intellectually gifted of Victoria’s sons, inheriting his father’s sharp mind and passion for music. He later attended the University of Oxford. His abilities prompted Victoria to grant him access to cabinet documents, a privilege not extended to her heir, and to involve him in official correspondence. To Victoria’s astonishment, Leopold married Princess Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont and had children. Tragically, in 1884, a knee injury led to a brain hemorrhage, and he passed away just 10 days before turning 30.

9. Princess Beatrice (1857–1944)

As the youngest of Victoria’s children, Beatrice—affectionately called “Baby”—was her mother’s devoted companion. Victoria’s doting on Beatrice caused her siblings to feel envious. From a young age, Beatrice declared, “I will never marry. I will stay with mother.” Mentioning the word marriage in her presence would earn a sharp rebuke from Victoria.

Despite her earlier stance, Beatrice fell for Prince Henry of Battenburg in 1884 and was resolved to wed him. Victoria gave her the silent treatment for over half a year before finally agreeing, on the condition that the couple reside with her. Beatrice’s joy was fleeting, as Henry passed away a decade later. Following Victoria’s death in 1901, Beatrice extensively edited her mother’s journals for publication, reducing them to a third of their original length. She passed away in 1944 at 87.