Queen Victoria

British monarch, Victorian era

Modern influential 164 sayings

Sayings by Queen Victoria

I am very much attached to my own opinions.

c. 1840s — Her strong-willed nature and conviction in her beliefs.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have seen so many changes.

c. 1890s — A reflection on the vast societal and technological transformations during her long reign.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not amused.

Late 19th Century — A widely attributed, though likely apocryphal, quote. Possibly said in response to an off-color joke…
Controversial Unverifiable

We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.

1896 — From a letter to Lord Salisbury, during a period of imperial expansion.
Controversial Unverifiable

No one is to address me unless I address them first.

Mid-19th Century — A rule for her household and courtiers, reflecting her strict protocol.
Controversial Unverifiable

A woman's highest duty is to her husband.

c. 1840s — From her personal writings, reflecting Victorian gender roles.
Controversial Unverifiable

I hate babies.

c. 1840s — A reported private sentiment, contrasting with her public image as a mother.
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a terrible thing this independent spirit in young people.

1860s — From her journals, regarding her children's desire for autonomy.
Controversial Unverifiable

The English are not a demonstrative race.

1860s — From her journals, observing national characteristics.
Controversial Unverifiable

Being a Queen is a most unpleasant & ungrateful position.

1840 — From her journals, expressing frustrations with her role.
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather be a modestly comfortable English wife than Queen of England.

1840 — From her journals, reflecting on her desire for a simpler life.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am quite aware that a Queen cannot be a woman.

1839 — From her letters, expressing the conflict between her personal and public roles.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest happiness is to be loved.

1840 — From her journals, reflecting on her relationship with Prince Albert.
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a curious thing that I should be Queen of this vast country, and yet so little known to my own people.

1860s — From her journals, contemplating her public image.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am surrounded by people who hate me.

1839 — From her journals, expressing feelings of isolation and paranoia.
Controversial Unverifiable

To be alone is to be miserable.

1861 — From her journals, reflecting on her grief after Albert's death.
Controversial Unverifiable

The poor Queen is so much to be pitied, so very much, and so lonely.

1861 — Referring to herself in the third person in her journals after Albert's death.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not fond of children.

c. 1840s — From her private letters, a sentiment often reported by biographers.
Controversial Unverifiable

This horrid business of childbearing.

c. 1840s — From her journals, expressing her dislike for pregnancy and childbirth.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am so glad to be rid of a child.

c. 1860s — From her journals, after one of her children had left home.
Controversial Unverifiable