Pop History Moment: The Death of Albert, Prince Consort

Their marriage in February 1840 has long been considered one of the genuine love stories of the English monarchy; in contrast to the prim image concocted for her by the era to which she has given her name, there was at least one Victorian woman capable of a carnal attraction to her husband, and that woman was the Queen herself.

Albert, Prince Consort's legacy while alive was profound - they had nine children together for a start, children whose children and grandchildren would eventually populate half the thrones of Europe - but the legacy left by his early death was in many ways more profound still.

Victoria's grief at the loss of her Consort - on this day in 1861 - would reverberate through the entire Empire; initially received begrudgingly with lukewarm suspicion at best, his commitment to the furtherance of science and technology, charitable nature, removal of the British Royal Family from politics, and unique perspective on international relations (as exemplified by his commitment to the Great Exhibition of 1851) did as much to make Britain the foremost world power of the era as the Royal Navy and as they did to secure his own place in history.

Following his death, memorials to him would abound, not the least of which - Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall - are among the top attractions in London.
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