Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Victoria’s work ethic was fierce. As the most powerful woman in the world - Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Empress of India – she faced taxing responsibilities. Because Victoria enjoyed wielding power, she happily devoted herself to her official duties. However, even though the queen loathed and disliked babies, she was determined to restore respectability to the British throne and shared her German husband’s belief in the importance of family. Victoria dutifully bore nine children. The queen was nothing if not contradictory.