Albert: Prince Consort

by Hector Bolitho

It seems almost incredible now to read of the Divinity that did hedge a Prince Consort one hundred years ago, particularly when we compare Albert’s life and role with that of Prince Philip. Indeed, it is difficult to guess which of the two would be more averse to the other’s speeches. It may also occur to the reader that, whereas Prince Philip has acted as a modernising and almost dashing influence on the Queen, Albert appears to have been a staid and restraining one on Victoria. For it must be remembered that Queen Elizabeth had been Heiress Apparent for far longer than Victoria, who was, when she married, a gay young girl by the standards of her age. Although it is fairly certain that Albert and Prince Philip would have disliked each other on sight, they have both been guided by the highest sense of duty. It is this sense of duty, in spite of considerable hostility and dislike of the ‘foreign ways’, that make Albert’s life of such interest. If he had accomplished nothing else, his influence on the dealings with the Union States of America, just before his death, would ensure him an important place in British History. In ‘Albert, Prince Consort’, Hector Bolitho explores the life and personality of Prince Albert, from his birth in Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, his marriage and restraining influence on Queen Victoria and his early death from typhoid. Hector Bolitho is deservedly renowned for his Royal Biographies. ‘Flowing and lively biography’ - Cobden Sanderson (Henry) Hector Bolitho (28 May 1897 – 12 September 1974) was a prolific author, novelist and biographer. In total, he had 59 books published. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.

Genres: Biography

Leather Bound

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

(Henry) Hector Bolitho was a New Zealand author, novelist and biographer.
Widely-travelled, he journeyed in the South Sea Islands in 1919 and then through New Zealand with the Prince of Wales in 1920. He travelled in Africa, Australia, Canada, America, and Germany in 1923-4, finally settling in Britain where he was to remain for the rest of his life.
On his arrival in Britain he worked as a freelance journalist. At the start of World War II he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as an intelligence officer with the rank of squadron leader, editing the Royal Air Force Weekly Bulletin, which in 1941 became the Royal Air Force Journal. In 1942 he was appointed editor of the Coastal Command Intelligence Review.
He had 59 books published.

Reviews

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because, although I have read many about Victoria and her obsessive love for him, I hadn't read one devoted entirely to him. This fascinating account of Albert gets bogged down occasionally in the minutiae of politics of the time, but it manages to shake it off for the most part. It is the story of the inner man that appeals to the reader. From a wretched childhood to his own problems with his children, Albert did not live a happy life.

His growing importance to his adopted country, and his influence over his wife gave him the most scope to showcase his best side. He was a voice of temperance and moderation in a time of excess. His was not the nature to push himself forward, but rather working behind the scenes, he earned the respect of a succession of infinitely different prime ministers. His early death was indeed a loss to country as well as to Victoria.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert

What a touching book on the life of Alfred, Prince Consort, husband to Queen Victoria. A thoroughly researched look at a man so often though of as 'just' the husband to the Queen. An excellent read.

[Mrs Olwen Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting.

I’ve learnt a lot from this book. The majority of works re the victorian age is from the angle of queen victoria so this gives a different perspective.
Shows how much England owes to this man’s hard work and intellect.
It makes you wonder how different world events would have been if he’d lived as long as victoria.

[J.E. Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love

Wanted to know more about Prince Albert and his relationship with Victoria. story is told via letters and it is as if you were reading their letters. Great view of the history of the time.

[Papa Smurf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert, Prince Consort

I was thrilled in reading this book, I love history. I feel that Albert should've been given a much better title.

[Rebecca Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully interesting book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have recently become very interested in the British monarch and found this book very insightful and educational.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography!

Would recommend to anyone who is a fan of royal history. Very well done, couldn't put it down! Highly recommended

[Paul N Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography

A well researched, compelling read which takes you as an observer into the lives of Victoria and Albert and their households

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the author included many lines from Prince Albert and Queen Victoria's letters, making the text feel authentic when being read. However, I felt that this book focused solely on the issues that came up during Queen Victoria's reign, rather than about Prince Albert himself. It seemed more of a historical account of the events, rather than a biography of the Prince Consort. I would have liked to read more about Prince Albert as an individual, rather than of the historical events such as wars, elections, etc. Overall though, the author seemed to put a lot of effort into researching the many events that this book spoke of.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated that there was a book focused on Albert, as there has been so much more attention focused on Victoria. However, even though the author acknowledged his bias in his intro and made an attempt to rectify it, it still made it hard to read, although it did present him in a more sympathetic light than many other sources. It also dragged after a certain point in the book and the writing did not hold my attention.

[Iris Seefeldt]

Well written and consider.

I was made aware of very personal anecdotes about the relationship of the monarchs to each other. I was surprised how Albert managed against many difficult locks set in his way. He was stubborn but forthright man of his time and a necessary leader behind the scenes.