Queen Victoria accedes and takes up residence at Buckingham Palace

Background. Victoria was born at Kensington Palace in 1819. King William IV distrusted the Duchess of Kent's capacity to be regent and wished to live until Victoria's eighteenth birthday to avoid a regency. Victoria turned eighteen in May 1837, fulfilling this wish. Less than a month later, William IV died, and Victoria became Queen. Official documents initially described her as Alexandrina Victoria, but she withdrew the first name.

Accession. William IV died at Windsor Castle on 20 June 1837. Victoria was awakened at Kensington Palace to be told that her uncle had died and that she was now queen. Lord Conyngham informed her of the King's death and her accession. The event occurred shortly after Victoria had reached the age of majority, ensuring no regency was required.

Residence. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on Victoria's accession in June 1837. She was the first sovereign to take up residence there, establishing it as the principal royal residence. Victoria inherited revenues from the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and received a civil list allowance. The move established Buckingham Palace as the principal royal residence.