At the time of the visit to Hughenden, Queen Victoria was a 58-year-old widow and had been on the throne for a hefty 40 years. This was her first ever trip to the home of Benjamin Disraeli, who was in his third year as prime minister; she came to discuss an international crisis. Russia was at war with Turkey, putting vital trade routes to India at risk, and Victoria wanted the prime minister to declare war on Russia in order to quash the threat.