Did the Common People in Queen Victoria's Time Call HRH Prince Albert 'King'? Debunking Popular Misconceptions
Many believe that the common people in Queen Victoria's reign referred to Prince Albert as HRH (His Royal Highness) or even 'King'. This article aims to clarify this misconception and explore the historical context surrounding Prince Albert's role and title within the British royal family.
Historical Context and Perceptions
Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha married Queen Victoria in 1840, and despite his significant contributions to the royal family and the public's affection towards him, the common people during Queen Victoria's reign did not refer to him as HRH or King. In fact, the opposite is true. Many resented the idea of a foreign royal with considerable influence over their sovereign.
There was a general feeling that Prince Albert should have received less status rather than more. The upper class, in particular, never warmed to him. They viewed him as prudish and overly German, which was a source of concern for the traditional British sensibilities and identity. Consequently, there was a significant disconnect between the common people's perception of Prince Albert and how the royal courts and high society regarded him.
The Role and Title of Prince Albert
Prince Albert's role within the royal family was not as a king but as the Prince Consort. The term 'Prince Consort' was created specifically for him, as the British royal family did not have an equivalent title in the past. This unique position was established to acknowledge his role as the consort to the reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, without elevating him to the status of King.
The British royal titles are complex. The female consorts of the United Kingdom, such as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Mary of Teck, and Queen Alexandra of Denmark, are also titled 'Queen.' This highlights the unique nature of the monarchy and the expectations and titles given to different members of the royal family. However, Prince Albert was a male and therefore could not be titled 'King' as that is reserved for the reigning monarch's spouse. Prince Philip, the current Duke of Edinburgh, was similarly not given the title of King, reflecting a consistent practice throughout British royal history.
Public and Political Reactions
The government's reluctance to award Prince Albert the title of King reflects a broader political concern. The Saxe-Coburg family, from which Prince Albert hailed, had a history of marrying into other royal families to gain political leverage. This was viewed with suspicion, and the government, including Winston Churchill, sought to limit the political influence of Prince Albert and the Saxe-Coburg family. These concerns were heightened by Queen Victoria's initial infatuation with Prince Albert and the private diary entries that showed her protective and affectionate feelings towards him.
After Prince Albert passed away in 1861, Queen Victoria spent considerable time commissioning memorials to him, further highlighting his significance within the royal family. However, it is important to understand that his role and title were always that of Prince Consort, not as a king or even HRH in the eyes of the British public during Victoria's reign. This misperception likely stemmed from his unique status in the royal family and his significant impact on British culture and society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was Prince Albert called HRH during Queen Victoria's reign?
No, Prince Albert was not referred to as HRH by the common people during Queen Victoria's reign. He was known as the Prince Consort, a title created specifically for his unique role as consort to the Queen.
Did Prince Albert have any royal titles?
Prince Albert held the title of Prince Consort, which was a newly created position within the British royal family. This title recognized his role without granting him the status of a king.
What title did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, hold?
Like Prince Albert, Prince Philip held the title of Duke of Edinburgh. He was not given the title of King due to his status as a consort and the British tradition of royal titles.
Why was Prince Albert not awarded the title of King?
The government, particularly during Queen Victoria's reign, was cautious about granting Prince Albert the title of King due to the political suspicions regarding the Saxe-Coburg family's influence and historic ties to other royal families.
In Conclusion
The misunderstandings about Prince Albert's title during Queen Victoria's reign highlight the complex nature of royal titles and the significant impact of social and political contexts on these titles. Prince Albert's role was always that of the Prince Consort, not a King, and this misconception underscores the unique and evolving nature of the British monarchy.