This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Prince Albert's Official Papers

Papers relating to Prince Albert’s contribution to matters of state

PRINCE ALBERT, PRINCE CONSORT (1819-61)

Letter from Prince Albert to Lord John Russell

26 Apr 1851

Loose manuscript paper; mounted | 1 document (5 pages) (whole object) | RA VIC/MAIN/C/19/15

Letter from Prince Albert to Lord John Russell regarding the Corps Diplomatique and their organisation of the opening ceremony of the Great Exhibition. He also comments on Lord Palmerston's statement that the proceedings are 'unusual and unprecedented', because it is not solely an English ceremony, but an international one. Prince Albert also reports that Colonel Reid has been warned about the firing of guns so near the building and that he would prefer that the wishes of the City for a banquet do not include the Queen, so that she may avoid giving multiple speeches on the Exhibition.
  • Creator(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61) (writer)

    John Russell, 1st Earl Russell (1792-1878) (addressee)

  • 1 document (5 pages) (whole object)

  • Place of Production
    Windsor Castle
  • Object type(s)
      • printed & manuscript material
        • documents
          • correspondence
    Language(s)
    English