The Letters of Queen Victoria : A Selection from Her Majesty's Correspondence between the Years 1837 and 1861. Volume 3, 1854-1861

"The Letters of Queen Victoria: A Selection from Her Majesty's Correspondence" edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Esher is a collection of historical letters written during the mid-19th century. This volume focuses on Queen Victoria's correspondence between the years 1854 and 1861, providing insight into her thoughts and emotions during significant events in British history, including the Crimean War and the political landscape of the time. The letters reveal the Queen's perspectives on her family, her government, and the geopolitical challenges facing Britain. At the start of the collection, the reader is presented with a correspondence that discusses the rising tensions leading to the Crimean War. Queen Victoria expresses concern over the press's attacks on her husband, Prince Albert, and reflects on the complexities of diplomacy with European powers. The opening letters highlight her sentiments regarding the state of affairs in the East, her thoughts on the necessity of military action, and her wish for peace amidst the looming conflict. This initial glimpse into her correspondence sets the tone for a blend of personal reflections and the weight of royal duty, as the Queen navigates her role during a period of turmoil and change. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days—which was longer than those of any of her predecessors—constituted the Victorian era. It was a period of industrial, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire. In 1876, the British Parliament voted to grant her the additional title of Empress of India.