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 Personal Papers

Papers relating to Prince Albert’s personal life and enthusiasms

PRINCE ALBERT, PRINCE CONSORT (1819-61)

Compositions

1847-53

Manuscript with watercolour frontispiece | 23.8 x 34.0 x 4 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1077784

Bound in green velvet, with 'VA' monogram in gold metal on the front board

One of a pair of volumes of Prince Albert’s songs, composed between 1847 and 1853, consisting of settings of verses by his brother Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and the German lyric poet Ludwig Uhland (1787–1862). Music composition had formed an important part of Prince Albert's early musical education, and he developed a talent for composing small scale pieces, such as those featured in this volume. The frontispiece depicts St Cecilia, patron saint of music, in a watercolour by Lady Waterford, sister of Lady Canning, Queen Victoria’s Lady of the Bedchamber.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010.
  • Creator(s)

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

    Louisa Anne Beresford, Marchioness of Waterford (1818-91) (artist)

    Johann Ludwig Uhland (1787-1862) (author)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
  • 23.8 x 34.0 x 4 cm (book measurement (conservation))

    24.0 x 4.0 cm (book measurement (inventory))

  • "Lebewohl": Wanderlied. With: Christmas hymn [and] Die Winter Reise / compositions by Prince Albert. []

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical forms
          • Scores. Parts (music)
    Object type(s)
      • printed & manuscript material
        • books
          • book: binding
            • book: binding with velvet
              • book: binding with green velvet
            • book: fine binding
          • book: with clasps
          • book: with furniture
          • book: all edges gilt
          • book: doublures
            • book: silk doublures
        • music scores
          • manuscript music scores