Queen Alexandrina Victoria (1819-1901) was the longest ruling British monarch, reigning for 63 years beginning in 1837.
Victoria became Queen upon the death of King William IV, one month after she turned 18 and gained majority age. In 1840 she married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Goth who became her most important advisor until his death in 1861. The pair would produce nine children and leave 42 grandchildren. Victoria's mourning at Albert's death lasted for the remainder of her life, though she formed a close friend in her later years with a Scottish manservant, John Brown. During Victoria's reign the British monarchy continued becoming less political and assumed the role more of a symbolic guiding parent. Strikes me that we Americans could benefit from such a parent.
According to Wikipedia, Prince consort Albert is credited with introducing Christmas trees to the Court. Reportedly Queen Victoria began the tradition of brides wearing white gowns.
Magnet size: 4" x 4-7/8 (10.16cm x 12.37cm)
