Long Live Victoria

By the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India.

Thus Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria was officially styled. Born at Kensington Palace in 1819, Victoria succeeded her uncle, King William IV, in 1838; married her most beloved husband Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, in 1840.

Queen Victoria died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight in 1901; and is still our longest serving Monarch. To date.

As it may have been gathered, I went to the local cinema last night to see The Young Victoria. I was not disappointed, either. I tend to choose the films I watch quite carefully these days, so I had an idea it would be good, anyway.

This movie is an accomplished historical period piece, sumptuous and splendid in its settings and costumes; most sympathetic and realistically true to the characters portrayed. I'd say it is not unlike The Duchess in its nature. Those of us who enjoyed The Duchess shall, most probably, be predisposed to The Young Victoria.

Emily Blunt played the Sovereign's role magnificently, as did the rest of the cast. Handel's moving Coronation Anthem, Zadok The Priest, featured constantly throughout the film.