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Albert (1819-1861) Prince Consort of Queen Victoria
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| Albert (1819-1861) Prince Consort of Queen Victoria |
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From - the Harmsworth Encyclopedia c.1910
Albert, Francis Charles Augustus Emanuel (1819-1861) Prince Consort, husband of Queen Victoria
He was the younger of the two sons of Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. He was carefully educated at Brussels and Bonn (1836-38), where he showed himself an ardent student, acquired many accomplishments, and developed a taste for music and the fine arts. King Leopold and Baron Stockmar had long contemplated an alliance between Prince Albert and Princess Victoria, and the pair were brought together in 1836. When the succession of Victoria was assured the betrothal took place, and on Feb 10th 1840, the marriage, which was one of great affection on both sides was solemnized in the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace. The Prince Consort's position as the husband of a constitutional sovereign was difficult, and in the early years of his married life his interference in matters of state was resented. Ultimately he became a 'sort of minister without portfolio of art and education' and in this capacity won much esteem and popularity. He also interested himself in agriculture and social and industrial reform. To him was due the Great Exhibition of 1851, which resulted in a balance of £200,000 available for the encouragement of science and art. His personal character was very high, and he exercised great influence on his children. He was an ideal consort, and entirely worthy of the title 'Albert the Good' On Dec 14th 1861, he succumbed to an attack of fever, and was buried in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. His remains were afterwards removed to the mausoleum at Frogmore.
Note :- The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 still exists, and makes grants available
See :-
Sir Theodore Martin - Life of the Prince Consort 5 vols 1875-80
Rimmer - Early Homes of the Prince Consort - 1883
Grey - Early Years of the prince Consort - 1867
... - Memoirs of Baron Stockmar - 1873
