Why is Queen Victoria so controversial? - Carolyn Harris

Queen Victoria presided over a golden age of the British Empire — but was she its moral compass or obsessed with her reputation? During her 63-year reign, Queen Victoria was a model of morality and restraint. So much so that the 19th century is called the “Victorian Age” and is still associated with these qualities. But was she the empire’s moral compass during a time of dizzying change, or an imperialist monarch who cared more about her reputation than her subjects? Carolyn Harris puts this question under the microscope, examining Victoria's policies, personal life, and the contradictions of her era. We explore how Victoria's image was carefully crafted and how her legacy is intertwined with the complexities of empire. From her relationship with her servants to her stance on issues like women's rights, this video reveals the many facets of a controversial queen.