Queen Victoria Syndrome

The Queen Victoria Syndrome is regarded as an issue with of leadership. Queen Victoria ruled Britain for a very long time – 1837 to 1901, to be exact. That’s 63 years on the throne, and while she was a well-loved queen for most of her reign, known as calm and for her strong stance on morality and family values, she was also in power for so long that she naturally became a bit out-of-touch with the wider populace.

Coupled to that was her absence from the public eye after her husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha died in 1861. Queen Victoria plunged into deep mourning, depression, and avoided public appearances. She kept wearing black for the rest of her life.

The term ‘Queen Victoria Syndrome’ was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) via the press, after a poll is published in The Sunday Times August in 1991 that indicated the wider British public would like to see Queen Elizabeth II abdicate the throne so her successor, Prince Charles, could reign. The paper refered to Queen Elizabeth as 'old' and 'out of touch'.

In a speech, made in 1992, Elizabeth referenced the criticism, saying the monarchy shouldn’t be immune to it, but it should be delivered with 'a touch of humour, gentleness and understanding'.

In his book '1984', George Orwell wrote succinctly that 'We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end'. We, more humble people, would probably say that 'somebody has outstayed their welcome'.