Who was Queen Victoria?

Who Was Queen Victoria—and Why Is She Called the "Grandmother of Europe"?

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

As many in British Columbia enjoy the long weekend for Victoria Day, it’s a great time to reflect on who Queen Victoria really was—and why she still matters today.

Most people know the city of Victoria, BC is named after her, and that Victoria Day celebrates her birthday. But did you know she’s called the “Grandmother of Europe”?

Let’s unpack the legacy of this remarkable woman—and how her family shaped the modern world.

Queen Victoria at a Glance

• Born: May 24, 1819
• Reigned: 1837 to 1901 (over 63 years!)
• Legacy: Oversaw an era of major change—industrialization, colonization, the expansion of the British Empire, and the birth of Canada as a nation in 1867.

She was known for her strict morals, deep devotion to her husband Prince Albert, and a strong belief in monarchy, duty, and family.

How She Became the Grandmother of Europe

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children. They strategically married their children into royal families across Europe, creating powerful alliances. That means her descendants ruled (or married into) the royal houses of:

• Germany
• Russia
• Greece
• Romania
• Norway
• Sweden
• Spain
• Denmark
• And, of course, Britain

This massive family network earned her the title “Grandmother of Europe.”

Royal Family Drama—And World War I

Here’s where it gets tragic and strange:
Many of Victoria’s grandchildren became kings, queens, emperors, and empresses—but during World War I, her grandsons were on opposite sides of the war:

• King George V of the UK
• Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
• Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

They were first cousins—but despite their blood ties, they led their nations into a war that destroyed monarchies and killed millions. It’s a haunting reminder that family alone can’t prevent conflict when power and politics get involved.

Why This Matters in BC Today

In British Columbia, we live on land named after a Queen who never set foot here, but whose empire shaped borders, governance, and even the struggles for Indigenous sovereignty.

Victoria Day is an opportunity not just to enjoy a day off, but to learn, reflect, and connect with our shared past. Queen Victoria’s legacy is complicated—marked by empire, colonialism, family, and ambition.

Understanding it helps us ask better questions about who we are and where we want to go next.

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Did you know all this about Queen Victoria?
How do you feel about Victoria Day now?
Let’s have conversations that matter.

Happy long weekend, BC!