Queen Victoria

British monarch, Victorian era

Modern influential 164 sayings

Sayings by Queen Victoria

The position of a married woman is a very difficult one.

1840s — From her journals, reflecting on the challenges of balancing her roles as wife and monarch.
Controversial Unverifiable

Men are naturally superior to women.

c. 1850s — A sentiment expressed in her private writings, reflecting prevailing Victorian attitudes.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am surrounded by sycophants.

1860s — From her journals, expressing frustration with her courtiers.
Controversial Unverifiable

The Irish are a very excitable people.

1840s — From her letters, expressing a prejudiced view of the Irish.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am very fond of the Highlanders.

1860s — From her journals, expressing a preference for certain groups, particularly Scottish Highlanders.
Controversial Unverifiable

The lower classes are so ignorant.

c. 1850s — A sentiment from her private correspondence, reflecting class prejudices.
Controversial Unverifiable

I wish I had been born a boy.

1832 — From her early journals, expressing frustration with the limitations placed on women.
Controversial Unverifiable

My husband was my life.

1861 — From her journals, expressing profound grief after Albert's death.
Controversial Unverifiable

I never can be happy without my darling Albert.

1860s — From her journals, a consistent theme after his death.
Controversial Unverifiable

The people are very loyal, but they are also very ignorant.

1870s — From her journals, a mixed view of her subjects.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am quite satisfied with my life, though it has been a very hard one.

1890s — A reflective statement from her later journals.
Controversial Unverifiable

The lot of women is indeed a hard one.

1860s — From her journals, expressing empathy with female struggles despite her own privileged position.
Controversial Unverifiable

I feel sure that if I were a man, I should be a great soldier.

1840s — From her journals, expressing a martial ambition limited by her gender.
Controversial Unverifiable

The responsibilities of a sovereign are indeed heavy.

1830s-1890s — From her journals, a frequent lament about the burdens of monarchy.
Controversial Unverifiable

I never liked being Queen, but I have done my duty.

1890s — A generalized sentiment from her later years, reflecting her dedication despite personal dislike of …
Controversial Unverifiable

The English Constitution is a wonderful thing.

1850s — From her letters, expressing admiration for the British political system.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have been unfortunate in my sons.

1870s — From her journals, expressing disappointment with her male offspring, particularly Bertie (Edward VI…
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest blessing is a good husband.

1840s — From her journals, a consistent belief throughout her marriage to Albert.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am very English, and I love my country.

1870s — From her journals, expressing strong nationalistic pride.
Controversial Unverifiable

What a dreadful bore it is to be a Queen!

1838 — From her early journals, expressing youthful frustration with her duties.
Controversial Unverifiable