Expert: Joseph Logue - 12/20/2006

Question
I'm looking for a reputable reference about a story regarding a quarrel
between Albert and Victoria in which Albert locked himself in his room and
Victoria began by pounding on the door demanding to be let in and
ultimately ALbert opened the door when she became more solititous.

Can you help?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Hank,

I have searched two reputable biographies of Queen Victoria:

Queen Victoria:  A Personal History, by Christopher Hibbert (New York:  2000); and

Queen Victoria:  Born to Succeed, by Elizabeth (Countess of) Longford (New York, 1965).

The Longford book says that it is a charming story, but as it is unverifiable it must remain a story and not a historical fact.

By the way, the story is that Prince Albert did, as you say, lock himself in a room after a stormy argument.  Queen Victoria banged on the door saying, "Open this door, it is I, the Queen of England!"  She knocked again, and the Prince Consort asked who was there.  Again, the Queen announced herself as the Queen of England.  No response, and so she knocked again.  Upon being asked who was there again, the Queen said, "It is I, Victoria, your wife."  At this the Prince opened the door and the instantly reconciled couple flew into each other's arms.

You will probably see many references to this story, which is illustrative of not only Victoria's deep love for Albert, but also her prizing him above all -- even her throne.  Great story and if it did not happen exactly this way it is easy for me to believe that something like it occurred.  

Thanks for visiting AllExperts, Hank.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue