Royals commemorate death of Victoria

Victoria's funeral procession leaving Osborne House

The Queen Mother has attended a church service commemorating the 100th anniversary of Queen Victoria's death.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also joined in prayers for Victoria the Queen-Empress at St Lawrence parish church, Castle Rising, near Sandringham, the Queen's Norfolk estate.

The Queen Mother steadied herself using two walking sticks as she walked the few yards from the Royal car into church.

May we uphold in our lives those principles which made her a great human being and monarch

Canon George Hall

Dressed in a purple overcoat and matching hat, she smiled at the large crowd as she got out of the car.

The service included readings from Victoria's diaries and music composed by her husband Prince Albert.

Canon George Hall, Rector of Sandringham group of parishes, told the service: "As we commemorate tomorrow the 100th anniversary of her death we give thanks for the life of Queen Victoria.

"For all that she did in her long reign for this country and for the rest of the world.

"May we uphold in our lives those principles which made her a great human being and monarch."

A public service at St George's Chapel, in the precincts of Windsor Castle, being broadcast by BBC Radio 4 on Sunday, is also marking the centenary of Victoria's death.

And on Monday, the anniversary, the Victorian Society will lay a wreath at the Queen Victoria Memorial, outside Buckingham Palace.

Died peacefully

Canon Hall said Queen Victoria visited the church at Great Rising in April 1889.

Her funeral was held at the chapel on 2 February 1901.

Victoria died peacefully at the age of 81 at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Queen Victoria ruled for longer than any other British monarch

She was buried, beside Prince Albert, in the Frogmore Royal Mausoleum at Windsor Home Park on 4 February 1901.

One of the most remarkable buildings of the Victorian age, it will be open to the public, free of charge, on 4 February this year as well as on 23 May, the nearest Wednesday to Victoria's birthday.

Queen Victoria reigned for nearly 64 years - longer than any other British sovereign.

When she succeeded her uncle, William IV, in 1837, the monarchy was probably less popular than at any time since the 17th Century.

By the end of the reign, the crown had been raised to new heights of prestige and affection, and the British Empire ruled much of the world.