Year: 1875




Her uncle, the late King William w.,
had done all in his power to prevent theil
union no less than five other 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 alliance
between her and the brother of the King Oh
Observation-Disclosures Alexander. In con.
sequence Of these views, his Majesty en-.
deavored to prevent the visit of the Duke
of Coburg in 1885, but in vain; for the
Duke came over to England with his two
sons and remained at Kensington Palace
nearly four weeks, as guests of Victoria's
mother, the Duchess of Kent. King VIII
liam died in 1887 and Victoria assembled the
throne on the Goth of June. In 1889 Prince
ALBERT of Coburg, accompanied by his broth
er, made that second journey to England
which resulted so successfully. The three
years which had passed since his last visit
had greatly enhanced his personal attrac-
tions. Tall in figure, and manly in bearing,
Albert was besides remarkably handsome,
with an expression of mildness and mate
refinement Joined to an air of intellectual
superiority, which was far surpassed any
m ere regularity of features.


"And SO the Queen fell in love with
him %


every naturally-and on the 14th of
October she made known to Lord Melbourne,
who at that time stood at the head of the
Wing Ministry, her resolution 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 herself in very peculiar embar.
rassment. for it was necessary that she
should manifest to the Prince that his suit,
if preferred, would be successful. This
was very delicate task for young lady,
but one which the Queen had solved with
rare TACT Not very long before, at one of
the court balls, she took advantage of the
opportunity to hand the Prince her bouquet;
the hint was not lost upon the gallant cav
alier, and since his close-ftting uniform
buttoned tightly to the throat did not per-
NIT of his disposing Of this selam, so full
of promissory happiness in the usual fash
ion, he quickly took out his penknife, cut
slit in the coat near the vicinity of the
heart, and inserted therein the invaluable
treasure. A second hint was very oppor-
tunely given. Albert having expressed his
thanks and appreciation of his kind recep-
tion in England was asked by the Queen ::
F." If your Highness is pleased with this
country would you be inclined to remain
with us ?''


F" I would sacrifice everything in life to
remain at the court of your Majesty was
the characteristic reply


When in compliance with the request
above mentioned, the Prince repaired to
the Queens presence, after a short CONVEX
sation she declared to him with sincere
expression of sincerity and. afEaetinr that
he had won her heart, and that it would
make her only too happy If he would make
the sacrifice of his life in sharing it with
her for she said she also regarded it in
that light, and the only thing which troub-
led her was the idea that she was not
worthy of him.


"How made such declaration Of love
to him 90


"She was obliged to, for the position of
a Queen demands imperatively that the
marriage proposal shall come from her, un-
desirable as this may appear to those who
look at it from the standpoint of private
life. and who regard it as privilege and
fortunate circumstance for women, that
their hands must be sought for and need
not be offered" -g-


'' And what was the Princes reply ?"


@ The charming frankness of her Majesty
quite captivated the heart of the favored
young man, and he was entirely overcome
The marriage was solemnized February 18th
1S4O."