After the old Houses of Parliament was burned down and the ensuing problems that occurred while planning the new building, Prime Minister Robert Peel thought of a royal commission that would oversee the promotion of arts and sciences. This led to Prince Albert’s proposal to launch the Great Exhibition. There have been exhibitions around the world before but he wanted to stage the grandest of them all and make it the crowning glory of the vastness and the technological advances of the British Empire. He also envisioned it to be a showcase of every country’s product – raw materials, machinery, manufacturing and mechanical invention in applied and plastic arts. For two years, Prince Albert worked tirelessly for the Exhibition to push through.
On May 1, 1851, Queen Victoria opened the Crystal Palace and officially inaugurated the Great Exhibition before a host of dignitaries awed and bedazzled by the structure and showcase of technology and innovation of the British Empire. Not to miss this event was Prince William of Prussia (future King and German Emperor) , who brought along with him his wife Augusta, and their two children, Frederick and Louise.
“Very tall and broad,” wrote Frederick Ponsonby, Prince Frederick William of Prussia, Fritz to his family, was “a fine figure of a man to captivate the heart of a young girl. He was barely 20 and had seen little of the world.” He was born on October 18, 1831 at the New Palace in Potsdam, the only son of Prince William of Prussia, the younger brother and heir to the childless and romantic king, Frederick William IV, and of Princess Augusta of Saxe-Weimar.
Frederick William had an uneasy childhood. Augusta’s liberal views clashed with her husband’s autocratic principles, which led to a troubled household and left the young Fritz with lonely and isolated childhood. He grew remained close to her only sister, Louise (later Grand Duchess of Baden) and was fond of his uncle the king. The trip to London to witness Albert’s brainchild was an eye opener for Fritz who was impressed by the liberal ideas of the Prince Consort and the relatively relaxed atmosphere of the British court. He was impressed by Britain’s technical superiority and envied the happy domestic life of the British Royal Family, which was a stark contrast from his stiff and cold home life.
The Prussian Royal Family were hosted by The Queen and Prince Albert and for the first time, their eldest daughter, Victoria, the princess royal, met Fritz. Despite the age difference (she was 11 years old and he was 19), the two got along very well and Vicky even guided him on the exhibition. Their initial encounter would lead to a series of correspondences. For the next four years, Victoria and Fredrick maintained close correspondence. Vicky never left Fritz's mind and despite her youth, he knew that she was the lady that he would marry later on.
In September 1855, Prince Frederick William visited the Royal Family in Balmoral Castle to see Victoria, with the intention to seek Vicky's hands for marriage. Prior to the trip, Fritz had already won the consent of his parents and the king's approval. On the third day of his stay with the family, Frederick proposed marriage to Vicky. Prince Albert saw no fault in his future son-in-law; he saw him as the agent to realize his long-held dream of a united and liberal Germany. One problem at the time of the proposal was that the would-be bride, at 15, was too young to get married. On the grounds of her daughter's youth, Queen Victoria consented to the engagement on the conditions that the announcement be delayed until Vicky turns 16 and receives her communion and that the marriage should not take place until she turns 17 and comes out to society.
On March 20, 1856, Vicky was confirmed at the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle, shortly thereafter their engagement was announced. In May 1857 Queen Victoria sent a message to Parliament, announcing officially the engagement between the Princess Royal and Prince Frederick William of Prussia. They were to be married on January 28, 1858.
You can learn more about the life of Victoria, Princess Royal in the book Vicky, Dear: The Life of Victoria, Princess Royal, and Empress Frederick (Royal Splendour, 2023). This insightful short biography unveils the complexities of Victoria's relationships, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her enduring impact on European history. The author paints a captivating portrait of a woman who defied convention, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the world. From the opulent halls of royalty to the corridors of power, embark on an epic journey as you discover the captivating story of Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick, and experience a remarkable era through her eyes. Available in Amazon and Kindle. Click here to order your copy.
More stories about the Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick here:
- The birth and childhood of Victoria, the Empress Frederick
- Victoria Princess Royal with the Greyhound Eos
- Vicky gives birth: "One of the worst recorded in obstetrical history"
- The wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, and the future Emperor Frederick III
- Vicky travels to Berlin
- Victoria and Frederick: A royal love story
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