A race from Germany to England marks a dramatic beginning to Queen Victoria’s life. Her birth at Kensington Palace secures her claim to the throne, but a strict upbringing is designed by her mother and advisor to keep her in line. Fascinating diaries reveal an emboldened 16 year-old queen-to-be who finds the inner strength to stand up for herself, do things her way, and eventually rule alone.

Victoria and Albert’s wedding brings the nation together in celebration, and starts the tradition of the white wedding dress. The happy couple spend their wedding night at Windsor Castle and Victoria tells all in her journal, revealing a sensuous side that would have made many Victorians blush. She becomes a wife and a mother within a year of marriage – the first ruling British monarch to do so.

Victoria’s moving diaries and letters reveal how Albert’s sudden death plunges her into a deep depression, escaping to Balmoral to grieve in private and avoid royal duties. Eating and drinking like a local, she courts controversy by growing close to a member of the royal household staff, Highlander John Brown. The near death of her son Bertie brings her back to royal life and, as the British Empire expands. Her fascination with India grows, documented through records from Osborne House, as she puts curry on the menu every day and imports a grand Indian themed entertainment room. She grows close to Abdul Karim, a servant and teacher gifted to her for her Golden Jubilee and fights racist attitudes against him. By the age of 81, she becomes the longest serving Monarch and an icon around the world. We see her as a passionate, powerful and popular ruler who ruled alone for over 40 years, revolutionizing Britain, building the Empire and creating the modern blueprint for the monarchy today.