The Weight Gain of Queen Victoria: Context and Interpretations

Queen Victoria, a monarch revered for her longevity and influence, experienced significant weight gain in her later years. This period coincided with profound personal losses, particularly the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. Understanding the context and factors contributing to Queen Victoria's weight gain provides insight into the dynamics of health, mourning, and personal life.

Context and Lifestyle Changes

Queen Victoria's weight began to increase notably after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. This period marked a profound era of mourning, with significant changes in her lifestyle. By the 1870s, her weight had increased noticeably, and she struggled with obesity for the remainder of her life. Her health issues related to her weight became more pronounced in the 1880s and 1890s, impacting her mobility and overall well-being.

Several contemporary factors contributed to Queen Victoria's weight gain. For instance, many women report putting on weight after childbirth, and this was compounded by menopause, which often leads to weight gain as metabolism slows. In Queen Victoria's case, she gave birth to nine children over 17 years, a considerable number that could contribute to body changes. Additionally, short stature can make individuals appear heavier, regardless of their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Lifestyle and Health

Queen Victoria's own lifestyle played a significant role in her weight gain. As a child, she was already obese, and before marriage, she exhibited gluttonous tendencies, consuming large quantities of food. Her staff found it challenging to eat with her due to her rapid eating habits and scanning of plates once she finished her meal. However, upon the death of her husband, she altered her fashion choices, giving up corsets, leading to a more relaxed and natural appearance, which likely contributed to her weight gain.

Her dietary habits remained unchanged, with a preference for multi-course meals. Physical activity was limited to sedate walking and horseback riding. These lifestyle choices and the emotional and personal context of her later years all contributed to her weight gain, which was likely within the normal parameters for her lifestyle.

Historical Perspectives and Debates

Despite her reported weight gain, contemporary accounts provide differing perspectives on Queen Victoria's size. Some scholars argue that she was more matronly rather than fat. For example, her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, lifted her body into the coffin, remarking that she was "so little - and so light." Edward, her son, who was in his early 60s at the time, and had a withered arm, could lift her easily. Joseph Chamberlain, a cabinet minister, noted that she was "thinner" shortly before her death, indicating that some of the reported weight gain may have been attributed to her final illness.

This indicates that while Queen Victoria may have been overweight, her size was often described as 'matronly' rather than 'fat.' The weight gain was more a result of personal choices and circumstances rather than an unmanageable health issue.

Conclusion

The weight gain of Queen Victoria is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by personal and historical contexts. Factors such as childbirth, menopause, and emotional and personal changes all played a role. Understanding these aspects provides a more nuanced view of the Queen's later life and health, illustrating the importance of considering the broader context of historical figures.