Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died in 1861.
Albert was born in 1819 in the German duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and married his first cousin, Victoria, in 1840. Although he was initially frustrated by the limited formal authority of a royal consort, he became an influential adviser and helped manage the Queen’s household, estates, and official work.
He played a major role in organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London’s Crystal Palace. The event showcased industrial technology, design, and manufacturing from Britain and around the world. Victoria granted Albert the title Prince Consort in 1857, recognizing his importance beside her.
Albert died at Windsor Castle on 14 December 1861, aged 42. His doctors diagnosed typhoid fever, though historians have also debated whether another chronic illness contributed to his decline. Victoria was devastated and entered prolonged mourning, wearing black for the rest of her life. The couple had nine children, including the future King Edward VII.