For some 130 years since 1837, two women - Victoria and Elizabeth II - have reigned as Queens of the United Kingdom. Both ascended the throne at a young age – Victoria at 18, Elizabeth at 25 years of age. Though at their births, Victoria and Elizabeth were not first in line to succeed the reigning monarch, in due course it became increasingly clear that Princess Victoria and Princess Elizabeth were destined to reign. Here are the fascinating stories of the two queens, from birth to accession and how they were sovereigns in the making. Read how their lives unfolded; compare and contrast the similarities and differences both faced as they went from princess to queen.