女王生长在一个典型的贵族环境中，从小受到良好的教育，这使得她拥有了非常好的贵族教养。有一项习惯能鲜明地体现出女王的性格。她从13岁开始记日记，每天的生活都会及时加以回忆和记录。这一好习惯贯穿了女王的一生，直到她去世为止，从未间断，持续了70年之久，女王留下了多达141卷、共43000多页的日记。这一习惯典型地反映出了她的毅力和个性。漫长的维多利亚时代的政治稳定与长期和平也得益于这样的个性。 以下为一个平常日子的日记记录。

WINDSOR CASTLE, 6th May 1882.—At quarter to 3 left with Beatrice for Epping Forest, which we reached at 4. Great crowds all along the railroad and a very great one on getting out. Arthur, Louischen, Louise, and the Lord Mayor met us. Volunteers and troops were out, and everything extremely well arranged. A great stand, full of people, and a very pretty arch had been erected. Arthur rode next my carriage, and Louise, Beatrice, and Louischen drove with me. The Lord Mayor and my two Equarries rode behind the carriage. Drove through enormous crowds, who lined the whole way, nearly 3 miles, to High Beech, where an Address was received, and read, and I declared the Park open. The sight was very brilliant. There was a temporary building in which the Lord Mayor had entertained 10,000 people at luncheon. He hurriedly dismounted, and put on his robes, before presenting the Address, which was read by the Recorder, and I read a short answer, which caused great cheering. An album with views of this fine and picturesque Park, reminding one of Burnham Beeches and Richmond Park, was presented to me, and a little girl, daughter of Sir Fowell and Victoria Buxton(herself my god-daughter), was held up to the carriage, to give me a bouquet. I shook hands with the Lady Mayoress and Mrs. Gladstone. Arthur got off and stood near the carriage till the ceremony was over, and then remounted, as did the Lord Mayor. Returned the same way. The enthusiasm was very great, and many quite poor people were out. The Park has been given to the poor of the East End, as a sort of recreation ground. Nothing but loyal expressions and kind faces did I hear and see; it was most gratifying. Got home shortly before dinner, and only had the ladies to dine with us.

Directly afterwards a telegram was received by Sir H. Ponsonby, from Lord Spencer, conveying the following shocking news:“I grieve to say the Under-Secretary Mr. Burke has been murdered, and Lord Frederick Cavendish most dangerously wounded, in the Phoenix Park.” This is too terrible. Mr. Forster’s words, spoken only the day before yesterday, were almost prophetic. Everyone was horror-struck. I telegraphed to enquire after poor Lucy Cavendish. At midnight Janie Ely came in with a telegram, saying “All is over with Lord Frederick. Both he and Mr. Burke were stabbed with knives.” Further particulars would be written.  I let all my children know, and could think of nothing else. How could Mr. Gladstone and his violent Radical advisers proceed with such a policy, which inevitably has led to all this? Surely his eyes must be opened now. Heard that Victoria (Dona), Willie’s wife, has a son, and is doing well.