After losing her beloved Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria fell into a pit of despair from which she would never recover.
The image of the 19th-century monarch as a black-clad, miserable monarch is deeply ingrained in the public imagination.
But historian Dr Kate Vigurs hopes to change that when she portrays a more youthful, cheerful Victoria next week in her authentic outfit, which cost more than £500 to make.
The expert, who has played the role of Victoria at events for ten years, will soon take a side saddle ride at her beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, just like the monarch used to.
She told MailOnline: 'It's all about making her young. There's always that image that she never smiled or never seemed to have fun.
'I just don't believe that was the case when she was younger. I really get the impression that she was happy with life and happy with Albert.
“I don't think things really change for her until after he dies.”
Historical impersonator Dr. Kate Vigurs rides a saddle in costume
Dr. Vigurs as Queen Victoria walking through Osborne House with a Prince Albert impersonator
A painting of Queen Victoria riding with Prince Albert in Windsor Park
Next Tuesday, the academic will ride her former racehorse, the 16-year-old Daxi, in 'All the Queen's Horses', an event organised by English Heritage.
She portrays Victoria as she was in 1850, the year she turned 31.
She was happily married and gave birth to her seventh child, Prince Arthur, in May of that year.
Dr. Vigurs has been riding horses since she was eight years old. She started riding saddle 15 years ago.
During the Victorian reign, strict etiquette required women to ride with a saddle on their backs.
Victoria was helped to become a better horsewoman by her beloved Scottish servant John Brown.
After Albert's death, he was sent from Balmoral to Osborne House with the Queen's pony so that she could take rides and improve her state of mind.
Queen Victoria sat in the saddle on her horse Fyvie in 1863 with her valet John Brown
Kate, as Victoria, and Albert wave in character from a balcony
Osborne House was a favourite place for the Queen to escape the pressures of the royal family and spend time with her family
Dr Vigurs' outfit was inspired by a statue in Osborne House in Victoria, which shows him riding confidently on a saddle in traditional dress, and by photographs from the period.
She said: 'I worked with a company called Prior Attire to make sure that what we offer is regal enough, authentic enough and, let's face it, comfortable enough to wear when riding with a saddle to the side.'
The expert added that while her new outfit is “not particularly heavy,” it could be “difficult” to ride in a saddle.
The costumes she wears are inspired by the period and she says they come with all the “right accessories,” including corsets and boots.
She added: 'You really have to get used to riding in it because it makes life different, different from that of a modern rider.'
The royal look can also be expensive: the historian's jacket and skirt alone cost around £500.
The costumes Kate wears are period-inspired and she says they have all the “right basics” including corsets and boots
Kate rides in costume on Daxi, her 16-year-old ex-racehorse, in a saddle
A sculpture in Osborne House of Victoria, riding confidently in traditional dress
She added: 'With the corset, hat, gloves, veils and not to mention all the royal details like a blue sash and the star on the garter, the price quickly adds up.'
Besides the equipment, the side saddles are also expensive parts, because they are antique and 'need maintenance'.
However, according to Dr Vigurs, it can be “exhausting” to be someone else for a day, especially if you have a royal role.
“You can't chat as much as you'd like because you have to look royal,” she added.
A photo of Queen Victoria in full state robes
Queen Victoria and her family together at Osborne House in 1898
The event marks the first time Kate has played the role of Victoria on horseback at Osborne House.
She has portrayed several other historical figures in her work, but it all started with a World War II secret agent.
Dr. Vigurs also played Florence Nightingale, medieval ladies such as Margaret of Anjou, suffragettes and a survivor of the Warsaw Uprising.