'The Blue room', Windsor Castle

Photograph of an interior view of the Blue Room, sometimes referred to as 'The Albert Room'. The room contains two single beds, both laid with wreaths and palm fronds. In between the beds is a marble bust of Prince Albert (1819-61; see RCIN 2068)

Prince Albert was nursed in the Blue Room during the final days of his life. He died in the room on the night of 14 December 1861. Following his death, Queen Victoria (1819-1901) maintained the room as a living shrine to Prince Albert's memory. Fresh flowers were consistently displayed in the room, new clothes laid out everyday and hot water added to the washstand.