Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, was known as the 'Grandmother of Europe' due to her extensive family connections with European royalty. Her son-in-law, King Christian IX of Denmark, was affectionately called the 'Father-in-Law of Europe' for his role in uniting royal families across the continent.

One significant union that Victoria arranged was between her eldest son and heir-apparent, Edward VII, and Alexandra of Denmark, the eldest daughter of King Christian IX. The marriage took place on March 10, 1863, and produced Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom.

The couple's children went on to marry into other royal families, solidifying Victoria's reputation as the 'Grandmother of Europe.' Prince William, the second son of King Christian IX, became King George I of Greece shortly after his sister Alexandra's marriage. The prince was married to Sophia of Prussia, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Victoria and King Christian IX were also grandparents of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, who visited them in 1898 with his younger brother Prince Edward of York. This visit demonstrates the close family ties between the two royal families.

By the outbreak of World War I, many of Victoria's grandchildren occupied thrones across Europe, including Denmark, Greece, Norway, Germany, Romania, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Today, the descendants of Queen Victoria and King Christian IX still hold positions of power in several European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

One notable painting that captures the essence of these royal connections is 'The Marriage of the Prince of Wales,' a work by William Powell Frith from 1865. This painting shows Queen Victoria and King Christian IX together for the only time in history.

Victoria queen family tree