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Creating a family home

Queen Victoria had 9 children in 17 years, 8 of whom were born at Buckingham Palace. Initially, the layout of the palace was completely unsuited for a young family. The palace garden wasn’t designed for children either, but it wasn’t long before its formal atmosphere was enlivened by games of hide-and-seek, pony rides and skittle tournaments.

While Victoria never hid her dislike of pregnancy, she remained a devoted and conscientious mother. Her maternal affection is evident in her journals and sketchbooks and she also preserved and commissioned childhood souvenirs.

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

Victoria and Albert etchings volume 4

Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)

Gotz of Berlichingen and the Pilgrim.

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

Victoria

After Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73)

Sarah, Lady Lyttelton (1787-1870)

Rosa Koberwein (active 1876-86)

Marianne Skerrett (1793-1887)

Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-73)

Victoria, Princess Royal, with Eos

William Gibbs Rogers (1792–1875)

Cradle

Attributed to Mary Thornycroft (1809-95)

Prince Alfred (1844-1900)

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

SKETCHES FROM NATURE V.R. MDCCCXLV TO MDCCCLII

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

A view from a window at Buckingham Palace

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

A Tree at Buckingham Palace

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)

Corries of Loch Nagar