Queen Victoria

Victorias Less Than Royal Childhood

King George IV, whose only legitimate child had died in childbirth, was resentful of his brothers daughter. He begrudgingly allowed Victoria and her mother to move into an apartment at Kensington Palace, but would only approve a small allowance. The duchesss brother, Prince Leopold (later King Leopold of Belgium), agreed to pay for Victorias upbringing and education.Tutors were hired to school Victoria in history, math, drawing, and languages. Raised by a German mother who spoke little English, Victoria spoke mostly German the first few years of her life, but readily learned both English and French.In 1827, when Victoria was eight, her Uncle Frederick, the Duke of York, died, placing her one step closer to the throne.