Plot:
Princess Victoria of Kent is the heiress presumptive to the throne during the last years of the reign of her uncle King William IV and is subject to a political tug of war for influence over her. between her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium, who has his nephew Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha seduce Victoria and coached in her likes and dislikes. Victoria and Albert develop an early fondness for each other, despite Victoria knowing that Albert was sent by their uncle to win her favours. King William dies after Victoria's 18th birthday, avoiding regency. After accession, Victoria immediately begins to exert her independence. Albert comes to England to spend more time with Victoria. He hints at taking their relationship further but the self-sufficient Victoria resists and he leaves.
When Lord Melbourne loses a vote in Parliament, the new Prime Minister designate takes some actions to damages Victoria's popularity, leading to demonstrations outside the palace and insults hurled at her in public. Her loneliness during the turbulence draws Victoria closer to Albert through their letters and decides her to invite him back to Britain, proposing to him herself. Their marriage is loving, but Albert is frustrated at his initial powerlessness. After becoming Victoria's primary adviser, he has some power in his hands, but Victoria often quarrels with him for going over her head with Peel in the matter of her household. When Victoria is fired upon by a would-be assassin, Albert throws himself across her and is wounded. This bravery leads to their reconciliation as well astheir successful future until Albert's death at the age of 42.
Comment:
Victoria’s father dead when she was young, her mother fell in love with an Irish baron. This Irish baron forced young Victoria to abandon her crown before she succeeded to throne. However, Victoria was firm and didn’t shrink back. This is the first time that Victoria beats masculine authority.
Albert is Victoria’s cousin. They fall in love by the time they meet. Actually, this was originally a political marriage. Before they first met, Albert’s letters to Victoria were well-designed (in order to make Victoria have a good impression on him). It is the real shock that makes Albert stop being chess piece of other people and be loyal to his queen.
By the time they get married, there was once an event: Victoria thought Albert’s reform measures have other purpose. She was angry and she said:”no one could steal my crown, you are my husband but I am your queen!” At this time, it is clear that this woman do not surrender to any kind of power. Although she become sensitive and lack of trust at anyone in the patriarchy society, she become indeed a stronger princess (queen). After Albert later sacrifices himself to save Victoria, she started to believe that he did not lie.