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Who Was Prince Albert?
Prince Albert, born in Bavaria, became the prince consort of the United Kingdom and Ireland upon his marriage to Queen Victoria. He served as the queen’s trusted adviser, influencing both domestic and international affairs. Notably, he advanced social issues in the United Kingdom, masterminded the Great Exhibition of 1851, and played a pivotal role in helping England avoid war with the United States. Prince Albert passed away at the age of 42 due to typhoid fever.
Early Life
Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was born on August 26, 1819, at Schloss Rosenau in Bavaria. He was the younger son of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, whose divorce from Albert’s mother on grounds of adultery when Albert was just seven years old had a significant impact on his upbringing. Albert attended the University of Bonn in Germany, and in 1840, at the age of 20, he married his cousin, Queen Victoria, who had recently inherited the throne of England. Victoria proposed on October 15, 1839, and they were married on February 10, 1840.
Role as Prince Consort
As prince consort of Great Britain and Ireland, Albert held the position of a royal spouse without formal power. Consequently, he quickly assumed the role of Victoria’s private secretary and adviser, earning her trust through his level-headed and insightful counsel. Despite the challenges associated with being a prince consort, Albert navigated his position with grace, discretion, and intelligence. When public sentiment turned against him—often inexplicably—he found solace in his extraordinarily happy marriage to Victoria, with whom he had nine children and 42 grandchildren.
Albert’s moral sensibility often drew criticism from the British aristocracy, which was reflected in the 17-year delay before he was formally granted the title of prince consort; until then, he was addressed as His Royal Highness Prince Albert. It was only after his death that the public began to appreciate his significant contributions to the Crown and the nation. He encouraged Queen Victoria to engage more deeply in social welfare issues, including child labor reform, and advised her to adopt a stance of political neutrality, leading her to distance herself from her previous ties to the Whig party. As a result, Victoria emerged as a dedicated advocate for her people, inspired by Albert’s enthusiasm.
Prince Albert also played a crucial role in the organization of the Great Exhibition of 1851, a landmark event showcasing British industrial advancement and culture, which attracted prominent figures such as Charles Darwin, Charlotte Brontë, and Lewis Carroll.
Internationally, Albert advised Victoria during disputes with Prussia in 1856 and the United States during the Trent Affair in 1861. His guidance in revising Foreign Office dispatches is credited with helping to de-escalate tensions and avert conflict.
Death and Legacy
Albert’s health was already in decline during the Trent Affair, and on December 14, 1861, he succumbed to what his doctor diagnosed as typhoid fever. Modern medical analysis has suggested the possibility of a more chronic condition, such as cancer or Crohn’s disease.
Queen Victoria was profoundly affected by Albert’s death, mourning him by wearing black for the remainder of her life—an additional 40 years. She established numerous monuments to honor his legacy, and a reevaluation of his contributions allowed the public to recognize him as the respected and honorable figure he always was.