The Van Buren press., 1875-11-30
The Story Of Queen victoria's csurtsAip.


Her uncle. the late King William w.
bad done all In his power to prevent their
nnion; no less than five ether marriage
projects had been planned for the young
princess. and William, though he never
mentioned the subject in her presence,
took special pains to bring about an ALT
ancc between her and the brother Of the
King Of Netherlands--P Prince Alexander.
In consequence Of these views, his Msj.
esty endeavorcd to prevent the visit Of
the Duke Of Coburg In 1886, but 10 vain
for the Duke came over to En- zland with
his two sons and remained at Kensington
Palace nearly fenr weeks. % . guest Of
Victoria's mother, the Duchess Of Kent.
King William died 1887 and Victoria As
csnded the throne on the Goth OF June.
In 1889 Prince Albert Of Coburg. accom-
panied by his brother, made that second
journey to England which resulted %
succcssfulis The three years which had
passed since his last visit had greatly en-
HANGED his personal attractions. Tall
in figure, ami manly in bearing. Albert
was besides remarkably handsome, with
an expression Of mildncss and innate re-
finement, joined to an air of intellectual
superiority, which far surpassed any
mere regularity Of features
And 50 the Queen fell In lovc with
him
Very naturally--and on the l4th OF
October she made known to Lord Mel-
bourne, who at that time stood at tho
head OF the Wing Ministry, her resoiu-
ton to offer her hand to Prince Albert
definitely, and the next day he Was called
to an audience with the Queen. Victoria.
in her lofty position, had found herselfin
= peculiar embarrassment, fer it was nee
essary that she should manifest to the
Prince that his suit, II profercd, would
bs successful. This was very delicate
task tor young lady, but one which tho
Queen had solved with rare tact. Not
very long before, at one Of the court
balls, she took advantage Of the oppor-
tunity to hand the Prince her bouquet;
the hint was not lost upon the gallant
cavalier. and since his close fitting uni.
form buttoned tightly to the throat did
not permit or his disposing Of this selan.
so full Of promissory happiness, in tbs
usual fashion, he quickly took out his
penknife, cut slit In the coat near the
vicinity OF the heart, and inserted there
in the invaluable treasure A sccend
hint was very oppor,unely given. Albert
having expressed his thanks and appfecia-
tion Of his kind reception in England was
asked by the Queen: II your Highness
is pleased with this country would you
be inclined to remain with US 2"
81 would sacriace every thing in lie
to remain at the court of your Majesty"
was the characteristic reply. When, il
f4masRllialale With tAsJaaudt ahQys i asn: s :
presence, after q short conversation she
declared to him with a sincere cxpressioAg
Of sincerity and affection, that he had
won her heart, and that 1t would make
her only too happy ifhe would make the
sacrifice Of his life in sharing it with her !;
for she said she also regarded it in thst
light, and the only thing which troubled
her was the idea that she was not worthy
of him.
How made such declaration Of lsve
to him?
She was obliged to, for the position of
n Queen demands imperatively that the
marriage proposal shall come from her,
undesirable as It may appear to those
who look atit from the stand point Of
private life, and who regard 1t 40 priv.
ilegc and fortunate circumstance for wo-
men, that their hands must he sought for
and need not be offered.
And what was the Princes reply?
Tho charming frankncss Of her Majesty
quite captivatcd the heart OF the favored
young man, and he was entirely over.
come. The marriage was solcmnized
February 18th, 1870