Did Queen Victoria Have a Favorite Child?

Yes, Queen Victoria did have a favorite child, and that was Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.

Queen Victoria had nine children, and like many parents, she developed a closer bond with some over others. While she loved all her children, historical accounts indicate a clear preference for Arthur, who was her seventh child and third son, born in 1850.

Prince Arthur: The Queen's Favorite

Prince Arthur stood out among his siblings due to his temperament and disposition, which greatly pleased the Queen. He was often described as being the most agreeable and well-behaved of her children.

Here's why Prince Arthur was particularly favored by Queen Victoria:

• Behavior and Temperament: Arthur was consistently well-behaved, a trait highly valued by the Queen, who often found some of her other children's boisterousness or rebellious streaks challenging.
• Personality: He possessed an active imagination and enjoyed quiet pursuits, aligning well with the Queen's own intellectual interests.
• Interests: His fondness for reading and playing with toy soldiers indicated a disciplined and engaging mind, characteristics that likely endeared him further to his mother.

The bond between Queen Victoria and Prince Arthur remained strong throughout their lives. He pursued a distinguished military career, further exemplifying the qualities of duty and discipline that his mother so admired.

The preference for Prince Arthur is well-documented in various historical records and biographies concerning the British Royal Family and the Victorian era, offering a glimpse into the personal dynamics within the monarch's private life.