On Sunday, Masterpiece’s Victoria premieres on PBS. The first miniseries spans from Queen Victoria’s coronation until the birth of her first child. In between, she meets and marries the love her life—Prince Albert. In order to gear up for the show that will hopefully fill the void that The Crown left in your heart, here is what you need to know about Victoria and Albert’s timeless romance and subsequent relationship. Full warning: Spoilers, no doubt, lie ahead!
Victoria and Albert Were Cousins
Victoria and Albert were first cousins. (Victoria’s mother, Victoire, Duchess of Kent, was the sister of Albert’s father, Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.) However, marrying one’s cousin was not uncommon during the 19th century, especially within one’s social class. Victoria and Albert were born within three months of each other—and were delivered by the same midwife.
But They Didn’t Meet Until They Were Older—And at First Victoria Wasn’t Interested
Victoria met Albert and his brother Ernest when they came to pay her a visit before she was queen. (Albert was German and grew up in the duchy of Saxe-Coburg.) In the years after, Albert continued to write Victoria letters. But at age 18, Victoria was crowned queen. She had grown up under the care of a controlling widowed mother and the reviled John Conroy (her mother’s comptroller), so she relished her newfound freedom and had no desire to marry. Albert came to England with the intention of telling her that she could no longer string him along. However, on this occasion, Victoria was instantly taken with him.
Victoria Proposed to Albert
As sovereign, Victoria had to do the proposing, instead of being proposed to. She was very nervous and said in her proposal that she knew Albert would have to give up a lot to be with her. Albert, of course, said yes.
Albert Essentially Gave Up His Home to Be With Her
Albert moved to England to marry Victoria, and afterward he never lived in Germany again. Albert missed his homeland, especially its nature, which greatly differed from London’s.
They Were Very Much in Love—But Also Had Their Fair Share of Fights
Victoria’s diaries are filled with overt references to her love for Albert, and the couple wrote affectionate letters to each other throughout their courtship. Despite this genuine adoration, the couple was not without conflict. Victoria had been prone to temper tantrums since childhood, which Albert, in particular, did not like.
They Had Nine Children
After their wedding, Victoria quickly became pregnant with the couple’s first child—a daughter named Victoria. Over a 17-year period, she gave birth to nine children. An impressive fact, especially since childbirth carried with it a considerable amount of risk in the 1800s. Victoria disliked being pregnant and often complained about it.
Even Though Victoria Was the Sovereign, for Many Years They Effectively Ruled Together
Initially after their wedding, Victoria rebuffed Albert’s attempt to participate in her work as sovereign. However, over time she began to rely more and more on him, especially during the periods in which she was pregnant or recovering from childbirth. Albert dedicated himself to his work and tirelessly championed the causes that he was passionate about. One of his greatest accomplishments was the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Victoria Was Crushed by Albert’s Early Death
Albert died at age 42—40 years before Victoria’s passing. She was completely bereft and entered a deep period of mourning. She had monuments and statues built in her late husband’s honor.