she had inherited the throne, eighteen-year-old Victoria banished her overambitious mother from the room, a simple yet resolute move that would set the tone for her reign. The queen clashed constantly not only with her mother and her mother's adviser, the Irish adventurer John Conroy, but with her ministers and even her beloved Prince Albert-all of whom attempted to seize control from her. Williams lays bare the passions that swirled around the throne-the court secrets, the sexual repression, and the endless intrigue. The result is a grand tale of a woman whose destiny began long before she was born and whose legacy lives on. Praise for Becoming Queen Victoria "An informative, entertaining, gossipy tale."-Publishers Weekly "A great read . . . With lively writing, Ms. Williams [makes] the story fresh and appealing."-The Washington Times "Sparkling, engaging."-Open Letters Monthly