A railway carriage Queen Victoria used has been preserved

On Sunday, the Queen, the Queen Mother and Duke of Edinburgh joined in prayers for the Queen-Empress at St Lawrence parish church, Castle Rising, near Sandringham.

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

Osborne House, where Queen Victoria lived with Prince Albert and their nine children, remains closed due to refurbishment work.

Mark of respect

However, the renovations were halted as a mark of respect and a piper played on the lawns of the historic stately home.

Queen Victoria's funeral was held at St George's Chapel, in the precincts of Windsor Castle, on 2 February 1901.

On 4 February, after lying in state for two days, her body was interred in the Frogmore Royal Mausoleum at Windsor Home Park, beside her beloved husband who died in 1861 from typhoid fever.

Queen Victoria ruled for longer than any other British monarch

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.