Why is Queen Victoria so controversial?

Carolyn Harris |

TED-Ed

• October 2026

During her 63-year reign, Queen Victoria was a model of morality and restraint. So much so that the 19th century is called the “Victorian Age” and is still associated with these qualities. But was she the empire’s moral compass during a time of dizzying change, or an imperialist monarch who cared more about her reputation than her subjects? Carolyn Harris puts this controversial figure on trial. [Directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].