Coburg

Photograph of the Prince Albert Memorial statue in Coburg. The statue is position on a plinth with German inscription, The statue and plinth are enclosed by decorative iron railings. Flowers have been placed around the statue. The square is decorated with garlands and flag poles.

The unveiling of the statue took place in Queen Victoria's presence on 26 August 1865, with her family. Of the day, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal: ' I cannot attempt to describe the whole ceremony at any length, confining myself chiefly to the impression made on me, which was very deep & moving. The guns were fired from the fortress, & the bells rung, in the peculiar German way, so different from ours, but very impressive. All the houses were beautifully decorated with flowers & troops lined the roads. I was received on the market place amidst beating of drums & loud cheers, & got out of the carriage trembling. Ernest & Affie, in the Coburg uniform, looking so handsome like his beloved father, took me up to the Tribune where the whole family & their suites were assembled. I had to come forward & felt indeed alone & embarrassed. But I remained calm. '