Prince Albert's Official Papers

This collection of archives contains records relating to Prince Albert’s (1819-61) role as the Queen’s Consort and records his activities in support of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) in her duties as Sovereign.

Included within this collection are files relating to his earliest public roles as President of the Fine Arts Commission, when he was tasked with leading the redecoration of Westminster Palace, and later as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. A volume of his speeches is also included, containing his first public speech, following his marriage, at a meeting of the Society for the Abolition of Slavery in June 1840. In addition, Prince Albert’s correspondence and notes reflect his interest in particular areas of political concern such as ‘the Working Classes’ and Chartists, the Abolition of Duelling, Parliamentary Reform and the Army.

Also included are papers relating to his leading role as President of the Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. These include correspondence, minutes and circulars relating to the planning and organisation of the Exhibition and complement the material found in the archives of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.