Death of Prince Albert and Subsequent Years:
Prince Albert, whom Victoria married in 1840 soon became the guiding force of her political life and he taught her much about how to be a ruler in a 'constitutional monarchy' where the monarch had very few powers but could use much influence. The queen was totally devoted to her husband and he assisted in her royal duties. He introduced a strict decorum in court and made a point of gentleman's behaviour. Albert also gave a more conservative tinge to Victoria's politics. But as fate had it, the Prince Consort (this title was conferred on him in 1857 and he was never given a peerage) died from typhoid fever at Windsor Castle on 14th December 1861 leaving behind a devastated queen. Victoria was deeply attached to her husband and she sank into depression, entered a semi-permanent state of mourning and wore black for the remainder of her life. This genuine mourning shaped the rest of her life and was also the hallmark in the evolution of what would become the Victorian mentality.
During the following years, the queen completely withdrew herself from public life though she never neglected her official duties as head of the state and continued to give audiences to her ministers and official visitors. Soon her popularity dipped. But with time, things changed and under constant family and public urge and continued encouragement from a persuasive Prime Minister in Benjamin Disraeli, (Prime Minister in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880) the Queen eventually resumed her public duties.
It is rumoured that during these years Queen Victoria found solace in the company of her Scottish maidservant John Brown and a romantic involvement and even secret marriage have been alleged. The recent discovery of a diary reveals that the Queen's private chaplain presided over a secret marriage between Victoria and John Brown. But many historians question the authenticity of this diary. However, before she died, Victoria requested two sets of mementos to be placed with her coffin- Albert's dressing gown and a piece of Brown's hair along with a picture of him.
Original Authors: Bishal Chakma
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 24/07/2008
