Who was the first Prime Minister of Queen Victoria's reign?

The first Prime Minister of Queen Victoria’s reign was Lord Melbourne. William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, was already serving as Prime Minister when Victoria became queen in June 1837, following the death of her uncle, William IV.

Melbourne led the Whig government and became one of the young queen’s most important political advisers. Victoria was only 18 when she came to the throne, and Melbourne helped instruct her in constitutional practice, cabinet government, and the political limits of the Crown. Their close relationship shaped the early years of her reign.

Melbourne remained Prime Minister until 1841, when his government lost support in the House of Commons. He was succeeded by the Conservative leader Sir Robert Peel. The other options were later Victorian prime ministers: Lord Palmerston served twice, while Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone became major figures later in the reign. Melbourne’s earlier service under William IV does not change the fact that he was the first prime minister of Victoria’s reign.