How Did Queen Victoria Survive 7 Assassination Attempts? (Video)
Queen Victoria faced an extraordinary challenge during her lengthy reign, enduring a staggering seven attempts on her life by different assailants. Despite the constant threat, her resilience and composure remained unwavering. From the audacious 18-year-old Edward Oxford, who fired shots in an attempt to disrupt the peace of Buckingham Palace, to the persistent John Francis, who made two failed attempts in one weekend, each assassin had their own misguided motives. The would-be assailants varied in backgrounds, from a disgruntled former actor to a hunchbacked newsstand worker seeking a change in fortune. Victoria's ability to navigate these perilous situations showcased not only her personal courage but also the public's admiration for her steadfastness.
Even when struck on the head by Robert Pate's iron-tipped cane, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, promptly appearing at the opera to reassure the concerned public. While the motives behind these attempts remained diverse, ranging from political fervor to personal desperation, Queen Victoria's fate remained unscathed. The repeated episodes, rather than diminishing her standing, seemed to enhance her popularity, reinforcing the profound connection between the monarch and her subjects. In the face of relentless threats, Queen Victoria emerged not only as a survivor but as an enduring symbol of strength and public adoration.
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Top image: Left; Franz Xavier Winterhalter - The Young Queen Victoria in 1837 . Right; Older Queen Victoria photograph.Source: Left; Gandalf’s Gallery/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Right; Wellcome Images/ CC BY 4.0
