Queen Victoria · Chapter
Last Years of Prince Consort explained
This chapter covers the final years of Prince Albert's life, detailing his relentless work ethic, his declining health, and the growing strain on his marriage to Queen Victoria.
What happens
This chapter covers the final years of Prince Albert's life, detailing his relentless work ethic, his declining health, and the growing strain on his marriage to Queen Victoria. It describes his tireless involvement in government, art, and public duties, his near-fatal carriage accident in Coburg, the death of the Duchess of Kent, and Albert's final illness and death from typhoid fever after a visit to Cambridge. The chapter emphasizes Victoria's deep grief and her attempts to support him, as well as Albert's own resignation to death.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Morality
Prince Albert's relentless dedication to his work, even in declining health, and his final act of softening a diplomatic despatch to avert war exemplify his sense of duty.
Grief and Loss
Victoria's intense grief over her mother's death and Albert's fatal illness dominates the latter part of the chapter, highlighting her emotional turmoil.
Love and Marriage
The chapter portrays Victoria's deep love and devotion to Albert, her efforts to support him, and the emotional bond between them.
Public Perception and Popularity
Albert remains regarded as a foreigner despite the title of Prince Consort, and his appearance draws unkind comparisons, reflecting his struggle with public perception.
Characters to notice
- Prince Albert
The Prince Consort is depicted as overworked, depressed, and in declining health, yet deeply engaged in state affairs, art, and family life. His final illness and death from typhoid fever are detailed.
- Queen Victoria
Victoria is shown as devoted to Albert, trying to cheer him and improve his status, and later overwhelmed by grief at her mother's death and Albert's fatal illness.
- Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent dies in March 1861, causing Victoria intense grief and leading to detailed diary entries about her death.
- Princess Alice
Princess Alice plays music for the dying Prince Albert, including Luther's hymns, at his request.
- Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales is mentioned as the subject of a parental visit to Cambridge due to his behavior, which contributes to Albert's fatal chill.
- Sir James Clark
Sir James Clark is the principal physician who fails to diagnose Albert's typhoid fever in time, dismissing concerns until it is too late.
- Lord John Russell
Lord John Russell's severe diplomatic despatch during the American Civil War is softened by Albert's final memorandum, averting war.
- Lord Palmerston
Palmerston sends a letter of fierce remonstrance that leads to Dr. Watson being called, though too late to save Albert.
Key passages
“The Queen has a right to claim that her husband should be an Englishman”
Victoria asserted that her husband deserved to be considered English.
Victoria's attempt to improve Albert's status by conferring the title of Prince Consort.
“It is when the Queen feels most deeply that she always appears calmest”
Victoria's outward calm masks her intense inner emotions.
After Albert's carriage accident, Victoria conceals her extreme alarm.
“I do not cling to life. You do; but I set no store by it.”
Albert told Victoria he did not value life as much as she did.
Albert's resignation to death, as recalled by Victoria.
“I think that everything so far is satisfactory”
Sir James Clark claimed the Prince's condition was fine.
Sir James Clark's incorrect reassurance about Albert's health.
