Following the death of Albert in 1861, Victoria had increasingly withdrawn from national affairs. It took until the later 1870s for her Prime Minister, Disraeli to encourage her active participation in public life. Criticism of the Queen lessened and she resumed her interest in constitutional and imperial affairs - being created Empress of India in 1877. Victoria\'s Golden (1887) and Diamond (1897) Jubilees were excuses for massive outpourings of public affection. The monarchy was perceived as a ceremonial necessity and her death in January 1901 was an occasion of national mourning.
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