Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers: Her Life, the Imperial Ideal, and the Politics and Turmoil That Shaped Her Extraordinary Reign

by Anne Somerset

A riveting portrait of Queen Victoria and the ten prime ministers who headed British government during her sixty-three-year reign
It is generally accepted that Queen Victoria reigned but did not rule. This couldn't be more wrong. A passionate and opinionated leader, Victoria was born to govern with no room for doubt about her historic destiny or the might of the empire that was built in her name. When it came to her involvement in state affairs, Victoria herself acknowledged that she had held strong "likes and dislikes" for the various prime ministers who served throughout her political evolution from headstrong teenager to seasoned leader.

Anne Somerset's Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers charts the feuds and affectionate interactions Victoria had with her ten premiers in often hilarious detail, from her adoration of Benjamin Disraeli, her favorite prime minister who filled her life with "poetry, romance, and chivalry," to her detestation for William Gladstone, a man she deemed a "dangerous old fanatic." Drawing extensively on unpublished sources such as material from the Royal Archives and never-before-seen prime ministerial papers, Somerset casts a fresh and highly illuminating perspective not just on Victoria, but on the exceptional politicians who served her in a time of massive global change.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Royalty, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

640 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2024

About the author

Anne Somerset (1955-) English art historian and author.

Somerset’s biography of England’s last Stuart monarch, entitled Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion was awarded the 2013 Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography.

Until his death in 2011, Anne Somerset was married to the artist Matthew Carr. Lady Anne Somerset is the daughter of the 11th Duke of Beaufort.

Reviews

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is self explanatory as the book covers Queen Victoria’s reign and the working relationships she had with the prime ministers. Some of those men she respected a great deal, and others, not so much. An informative read and well researched although with the revolving door of prime ministers I’d struggle at times to keep everyone straight in my head. Fascinating knowing that certain actions or inactions during her time on the throne had long lasting implications.

Recommend if you have an interest in European or political history.

Thank you to Knopf for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book on Queen Victoria and her Prime Ministers is not a book for everyone. Most may find it rather dry and, due to its nature, a rather banal topic. But if you wish to see the fascinating relationship between a Queen and Parliament, then this book is superb.

It traces the relationship Queen Victoria had with the myriad of Prime Ministers during her nearly 64-year-long reign. Some, such as Disraeli, Lord Palmerston, and Gladstone will be famous Prime Ministers; others such as Lord John Russell (1846-1852) or Lord Roseberry (1892-1895) will not be on anyone's mind save scholars of the period.

What is very interesting is the look into the relationship between a Queen and her PMs. Some she appreciated, some she detested, it is interesting also to see Victoria mature and see her opinions mature accordingly. I found her mania with health, bordering on hypochondria, and her reluctance to participate in public events to be interesting. Also her preference for going away from the city to her Royal Estate at Balmoral, Scotland made her a difficult monarch to sometimes deal with. Also I was unaware how withdrawn Victoria had become from her duties and her role after her husband, Prince Albert, passed away.

While the topic may seem boring, I found the book anything but so. A very interesting look into the life and political relationships of Queen Victoria and her Prime Ministers.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid portrait of Queen Victoria as politician emerges from this deep study of her relationship with her prime ministers. Beginning with the teenaged queen who developed an emotional reliance on Lord Melbourne, to the young mother influenced and supported by Prince Albert, to the widow who removed herself from ceremonial events while staying involved with political affairs, the queen endeavored to maintain the empire’s status in a time of worldwide, emerging democratization.

Queen Victoria pushed the limits of her authority in influencing Parliament. She had strong feelings about her prime ministers based on personality and politics. “The Queen alone is enough to kill any man,” Gladstone bemoaned; he was quite hated by the Queen for his support of Home Rule for Ireland. Disraeli’s honeyed tongue played on her vanity, and he allowed her to think she had the sway she sought.

She ruled in a century of turmoil, with European emperors and kings vying for power and land, a populace demanding a say in government, and international wars and conflicts. It was like one big family feud, with Victoria’s children married to royalty across the continent. The Queen was unwilling to give up lands, status, or influence. In retrospect, some of her decisions were ill advised, like the Boer War.

And yet, the queen shed tears over the suffering of the civilians and soldiers at war, and believed in the emerging middle class. She was broad minded in accepting Muslims. She was called shrewd and knowledgeable.

The prime ministers each emerge from the page, vivid and fully drawn. Quotes from Victoria’s letters and of the ministers give insight into the relationships.

This impressive, detailed history can be overwhelming, but for the serious student it is a revelation.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of Queen Victoria told through her working relationships with her British Prime Ministers over the course of her reign. There have been numerous recent biographies of Queen Victoria focused on different aspects of her personal life, especially her marriage to Prince Albert, so this book serves as a valuable perspective on her working life as sovereign. Somerset highlights Queen Victoria's influence behind the scenes and the necessity of her Prime Ministers to hear and consider her point of view even if they ultimately chose a different course. The book is very well researched with a wide variety of primary sources consulted. The focus is resolutely on Britain with a secondary focus on the British Empire and India. I was disappointed that Canada's confederation in 1867 was not discussed as Queen Victoria supported Canadian self government and met with Canadian Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald during the London conferences. Overall, however, this is an excellent book that provides an important counterweight to perspectives on Queen Victoria wholly focused on her personal life.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simultaneously extremely detailed and yet not detailed enough.

The author gets into a lot of the nitty gritty of Victoria's own thoughts and opinions, which is where the book shines, but often it is difficult to keep the other players straight. This issue is NOT helped by the author at all, since she will often switch haphazardly between last names and titles (especially confusing when the HOLDER of said title changes).

She also fails to give context to some of the pieces of legislation or the international issues going on at the time. Maybe it's because I'm not a Brit, but I also doubt that someone who grew up or was educated in the UK would know off the top of their head what the "Reform Bill of 18xx" was without being given some context.

Essentially, it seems that this was a book written for other historians of the era who would have better context of the goings-on of 19th century politics without needing to look it up. It was still fascinating in parts, and I enjoyed learning about Victoria's relationships with her prime ministers and her general political thoughts and leanings. I particularly appreciated that the author did not sugar-coat some of Victoria's less savory opinions. I especially enjoyed later in the book learning of the building tensions with the Kaiser.

Overall, I learned a lot from the book and there were many very interesting parts that gave insight not only into British politics of the time, but also foresight into how the 20th century came to be. That said, I could have used more overarching context to some of the legislation and happenings.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Thanks to NetGalley and William Collins for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ll admit that while I’ve read a few biographies of Queen Victoria, most of what I know about her time on the throne was from the Victoria television series, which concentrated on the beginning of her reign. Queen Victoria and her Prime Ministers focuses on her relationships she had with her PMs, good and bad. And while many portraits of the woman portray her as an aloof monarch, she was anything but. She really stuck her nose into things! Sometimes, her PMs listened to her, sometimes they didn’t, much to her vexation, but even when she was in confinement due to pregnancies, she had her hands on the business of the empire.

This was an exquisitely rich and detailed accounting on the machinations of the British government, and I feel I understand how their government works a lot better now. It is so different than the U.S.! I also appreciated the fact that Victoria was a product of her times and had some decidedly controversial opinions on peoples and places that are cringe-worthy today. Her ability to grow and change with her opinions on a variety of subjects and, in fact, the various men who held the position of PM, is a testament to how she conducted business. She did not simply reign, she definitely ruled, as all the Prime Ministers could attest.

[Nick Artrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested and received an eARC of Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers: Her Life, the Imperial Ideal, and the Politics and Turmoil That Shaped Her Extraordinary Reign by Anne Somerset via NetGalley. Was tickled pink when I saw this title on NetGalley and even more so when my request was approved to read it. I have a fondness for Anne Somerset! Her biography of Queen Anne is still one of my favorite works of historical nonfiction, not only because Queen Anne was a delight to read about it, but it was also an exhaustingly detailed work that seemed to leave no stone unturned. My reading about Victoria has been confined to pretty straightforward biographies and books about her various children and descendants. In Somerset’s new book, the author offers a glimpse of Victoria’s reign through (as the title suggests) the lens of her relations with the Prime Ministers that served during her tenure as a monarch.

It is often believed that while Queen Victoria reigned, she did not rule, and that her influence was nearly always contained by those surrounding her (such as her husband.) In her book Somerset sets out to disprove this myth and traces the monarch’s reign through each of the ten Prime Ministers and the influence she exerted in her dealings with them. Somerset does an exceptional job backing her claims, something made much easier by Victoria’s prolific letter writing and record keeping. We are offered many direct glimpses into the monarch’s mind as she affectionately, and occasionally disdainfully, offers her view of the men asked to form a government in her name. Through Somerset's account we are able to witness Queen Victoria’s growth from girlish immaturity to a well- seasoned and thoughtful leader.

This book also allows us to become familiar with the men who became Prime Minister and the ideals that they held (I am fatigued from reading about the Corn Laws.) Not going to lie, I was a huge sucker for the opening section about Victoria and Melbourne. Victoria had a long, fascinating, and occasionally tragic reign, but I’m always drawn to the young woman freshly emerged from under the thumb of the Kensington System, coming into her own power. Although his statements and beliefs were at times abhorrent, I can’t help but feel a fondness when reading about their bond. I also think this section really highlights the person behind the crown and offers such an excellent starting point for the reader to consider how Victoria grew as an individual throughout her reign while retaining that something that makes her terribly interesting to read about. While the early sections about Melbourne and Peel were endearing (the Peel section really highlights her quick growth, something attributed to her marriage, when it should be attributed to age and the building of experience) then the sections about William Gladstone were an absolute riot of laughs (she really quite disliked him.)

Ultimately, I found this book to be engaging and informative. It is packed with details, and although I wish I had been able to glean more about the individual Prime Minister’s personal lives, I think Somerset does an admirable job of capturing the essence of their personalities and how those personalities clashed or conformed with Victoria’s. The language used was accessible and important events were contextualized and explained in a way that would benefit the casual reader of history. The work is quite lengthy with few chapters, so it does require a bit of a commitment and effort, but the reward is well worth it!

[Peter Corrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Victoria and her Prime Ministers' is a rather detailed account of her reign but limited almost entirely to her interactions with the ten Prime Ministers during her reign. And that is what the title says. Anne Somerset does a fine job overall with this complex story, frequently letting the characters speak through their letters and with numerous footnotes. Still she missed some opportunities for an even better book. One problem is that she presumed a level of familiarity with the machinations of the British political system that is probably non-existent in the vast majority of American readers and probably a lot of British. If she had taken time to explain how the weird interplay between the Crown and Parliament developed over time and was supposed to work it might have been more interesting. Apparently, Somerset has worked as a researcher for Antonia Fraser in the past but her writing lacked the flair and human interest that Fraser's books have had for me. She seems to stick to the facts which is generally a good thing but we get little idea of the background and personalities of these Prime Ministers. In a book already this long and detailed, more human interest would have really added to the overall readability.

Still it was an interesting, comprehensive and educational read. So much of what became the modern world emerged from that 60-year period. Terms like Jingoism (great little ditty, p. 321), Boycott (from the Irish unrest), and themes evil Russians (and Turks) are just a few of the words and ideas that continue. Like another reviewer I also emerged with a desire to read a good biography of Gladstone--he comes off as the most admirable and interesting of the Prime Ministers by a considerable margin. He was certainly the most realistic about what the future would become. Victoria herself is a mixed bag and Somerset's conclusion does a fine job in summarizing both her positive and negative contributions. It never ceases to amaze how these relatively few extended 'royal' families (all connected to Victoria is seems) had such an outsized and ultimately deleterious impact on the world at that time! And if nothing else, it got me back to watching 'The Crown' on Netflix which I had given up on some time ago, up to season 3 now. Tough call on a rating but easily 3.5 stars, and could have been a 4 but for the opportunities missed.

[Diana Ashworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from my partner's book club pile so I had to read it PDQ whereas it is really a tome to keep as reference and to dip into when you want an insight into a particular event or personality. Meticulously researched, though I am no judge, it quotes extensively from Victoria's private, though heavily censored, letters. It certainly gave me a different perspective on the monarch; her conservatism, bias and difficulty with the novel demands of being a constitutional monarch; the struggles between mother and monarch and her sexuality which posed difficulties before her marriage and after the death of Albert. It also cheered me up a little to read her attitude to Russia; she was no fool. Her comments on guaranteeing other countries' peace treaties involving imperial powers should never be forgotten unless you are prepared to get involved in other countries' wars!
Her relationship with Gladstone was the most difficult as he pursued his mission to pacify Ireland by reducing their justified complaints, poverty and injustice and to move Britain towards the democracy that it is today.
Most of his measures, designed to head off discontent in Ireland filled her with horror and made her fear for the established order and for the monarchy. His convoluted and bullying arguments could not persuade the queen, his paternalistic personality antagonized her, where other prime ministers might have explained things carefully and calmly and carried the day. She could be a valuable ally. Now I search for a good biography of Gladstone.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this detailed and complex history of each of Queen Victoria’s prime ministers, Anne Somerset provides readers with a complex and comprehensive history of every prime minister under her reign, their personal history, their tenure in office, and their relationships with the iconic Queen of Britain and Empress of India. Packed with details from primary documents of her reign and of their own histories, readers will gain a fascinating, thorough, and complex understanding of the political side of her reign. Somerset has clearly done her research and provides readers with the tools to understand politics and their evolution in Victoria’s time on the throne, and the information, while dense and occasionally overwhelming, is presented in a constructive way. Following prime ministers chronologically by time in office gives readers the chance to fully understand the progression of the political climate and in relation to other historical events from the Victorian period and the nineteenth century, which provides detailed and useful context for the readers. The depth of research and detail makes this a great reference point for historians and those already interested in the period, though it might overwhelm readers new to Victorian politics, but this is nevertheless an intriguing and incredibly informative new history book about Victoria’s prime ministers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the advance copy.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Centering on the relationship between Queen Victoria and her prime ministers, this is a study of parlimentary monarchy as it developed from a proto-government to what it is today. Most biographies of Queen Victoria focus on her relationships with her family and European royalty, but Somerset keeps the focus off the continent.

Divided into chapters by each premiership, Somerset examines the push and pull between the queen and her government men. She examines both personal and political factors, clarifying the complicated interpersonal dimensions of a small cast of characters. The ministers move in and out of power and position with the queen staying the stable force over the sixty three years of her reign.

It can get confusing at times, as the chapters are quite long to cover each time in office. Sections of each chapter are marked by line breaks but there can be some whiplash, as we move from topic to topic. Other people are included when they touch politics before being dropped at the next section. This is definitely a book for someone with a good understanding of the main points of Victoria's reign, focused on the nitty-gritty of politics over a more traditional biography.

[JW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good but dry account of Queen Victoria’s relations with her prime ministers. In effect the book is a brief political history of Britain from 1837 to 1901. The author provides enough background information so that readers who aren’t familiar with Victorian era politics can still read the book with profit. Aside from the politics, this work humanizes these 19th century figures, making them more than just dusty portraits on a museum wall.

The book furnishes a picture of the continued decline of royal power in Britain. That process began long before Victoria and ended with George V, whose father, Edward VII, has been described as the country’s “last unconstitutional monarch”. Victoria always considered herself to be acting within her constitutional rights, but her prime ministers would often have disagreed with that assessment. Still, try as she might, the queen could not choose her ministers or make policy. Even though she despised him, she had to accept Gladstone as the premier and live with his attempts to bring in Irish Home Rule. Instead, she intrigued with the opposition leader, Salisbury, something later monarchs wouldn’t do (that we know of).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers: Her Life, the Imperial Ideal, and the Politics and Turmoil That Shaped Her Extraordinary Reign by Anne Somerset is an in-depth look at the political side of her reign.

This is a fascinating and definitely deeper look at the relationships, events, and sometimes even political antics that occurred between Queen Victoria and the many Prime Ministers that she “worked with” during her long reign.

I already knew a small amount about the queen and most of the Prime Ministers that were elected during these decades, but this gave me way more information and background that I have previously read.

This book is not for the faint if heart, it is a solid read, but thorough, enlightening, and interesting nevertheless.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/5/24.

[James McGlynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed and ponderous as I am not a Brit. I did learn a lot. The Irish have wanted to be away from Britain for a long time. Queen Vic spoke German her first 3 years and married a German Albert. Her oldest grandchild Kaiser Wilhelm had a crippled left arm and suffered as a child as they tried to fix it which embittered him. Her granddaughter was married to the Russian Czar and murdered. After Albert's early death she became a recluse although rumors surfaced of her and her Scottish Ghillie John Brown. She would make PM's go to Balmoral Scotland to conduct business. After reading this book I have no idea what the point of Kings and Queens are-maybe because we escaped the Brits a long time ago.

[E.J. J Doble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly-examined narrative exploration of Queen Victoria, through the lens of her interactions with the world and her ministers, Somerset produces a grand work that teeters on the verge of overload sometimes, but still maintains a sense of zeal from beginning to end. The personal battles and opinions that Victoria held concerning some of her prime ministers - from her love of Salisbury and Derby to her detestation of Gladstone - were very interesting to learn about, and how they influenced government policy in ways that are not present in modern politics. An intriguing history, which was also amazingly narrated on audiobook.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much information and names! I’m giving the book a 4 because I think the author did a great job organizing the mountains of information that exists and telling the history through the queen with her prime ministers. The book could have been shorter as there was a lot of detail that sometimes was repetitive.

It would have been helpful to know how the British government works as it seemed so chaotic with prime ministers resigning unexpectedly or at the smallest sign of disagreement among the part In power.

[Erika P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

Such an interesting read - as someone who did not grow up learning British history, I really enjoyed learning about Queen Victoria and her world. As to be expected with a book like this, the book felt quite academic at times - but that's not necessarily a bad thing if you didn't grow up learning about the British monarchy.

Would recommend!

[Andrea Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen Victoria’s relationships with the ten Prime Ministers of her reign distills the political history of that period … From the Whig, Lord Melbourne, to the Conservative, Lord Salisbury, these men were constantly bombarded with her political views and advice … Notoriously at odds with Gladstone,slow to warm to Peel, and totally smitten with Disraeli, Victoria made her mark on her age through her interactions with these powerful men … masterful marshalling of detail …

[simon m. lorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite wonderful

A view of British history in the Victorian era--at the time, the history of much of the woeld--from the perspective of the Queen, seen through her relationships with her PMs. Insightful and Illuminating.

[David Pulliam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really taxing read, not the most exciting writing style. I am not sure I agree that Victoria actually ruled.

I am continually surprised how much a person's ego and personal slights played into how countries related to each other.

[Jeffrey Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into politics and royalty before the age of populist politicians and circumscribed royals. But don't expect hero worship, this is a candid account of the triumphs and disasters of the queen and, what even the title says are, her ministers.

[Diana Cheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written and so well researched. Absolutely brilliant insight and detail into an under researched part of Queen Victoria’s reign. Essential reading for anyone with a shared interest in history and politics.

[Thomas Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magisterial, never dull, never lingering too long and eminently readable. Have excellent and balanced portraits of the Queen, Prince Albert and all of her Prime Ministers. Must read for anyone who wants to know 19th century British politics better.

[Lisa of Hopewell]

I learned of this book via this post: https://theliteratequilter.wordpress....

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much like a history book for me.
Thanks to the author for the copy.
I will pass it on to someone who will appreciate it more than me.

[Daniel Sokolow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good capsule histories of her relationships with her PMs over time. Underlined how much I find Victoria's capriciousness and contradictory attitudes irritating.

[ROBERT · Rating 3 out of 5]

more than you ever wanted to know. Think how england thought before the great war

[Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great look at the political life of Queen Victoria

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong woman…

[Jim Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book really speaks for itself. It looks at the Prime Ministers who served under Queen Victoria, and discusses their relationship with the Queen. It's written chronologically. The first Prime Minister (Lord Melbourne) is discussed first, while the final Prime Ministerial relationship (with Lord Salisbury) is discussed last. If a Prime Minister had separate premierships under Victoria (e.g. Gladstone, who had 4 premierships), they are covered separately.

Queen Victoria (and her Premiers) was a woman of her time. She clicks with her first (more liberal) Prime Minister, but like many people because more right wing with age. She was also Queen at the height of the British Empire, so she says some... opinionated(?) things about minorities. If that is an issue for you as a read, you might want to give this book a miss.

There were some things that... weren't explained? One Prime Minister was a suspected rapist (with a broad brush description included). He went on to be Prime Minister. I'd have liked to have known what happened in the aftermath there in more detail. That didn't happen.

So what did I mean by it not changing your mind about things? Both I and a relation read the book. She is more pro-monarchy than I am. She came out of the book thinking as positively of Victoria as she did at the start. She was aware that the Queen perhaps didn't kill herself with work, once she was married (or became a widow), but believed that her instincts were in the right place. In comparison, I'm more republican leaning, and was blown away how involved with politics (and getting her own way) she was. In short, there is merit to both arguments, and you will get supporting evidence for either point of view, if you go looking for it.