Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and the International Connections of the Ruling House of the Duchy of Coburg

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861) is the most prominent representative of the Coburg ducal family who since the end of the eighteenth century had successfully managed an international policy over the course of several generations. Family connections continue to the ruling houses in Belgium, the United Kingdom and Sweden. As prince consort of the English Queen Victoria (1819–1901, queen 1837–1901) Albert had essential influence on political and cultural aspects in the British Empire.

Numerous objects in the art collections at the Veste Coburg (Fortress of Coburg) which originated in the former ducal property bear witness to the close connections between Coburg and the European thrones during the nineteenth century. With Prince Albert in the centre of attention, this dynastic network is illustrated exemplarily in six chapters.

Departing from the creation of an independent rule in Saxe-Coburg, the attention is focused on Albert's Coburg grandparents whose wedding policy brought the duchy into the spotlight of European history. The ambience of his childhood and youth as well as his upbringing, complete our understanding of his origins.

Then follows a look at the dynastic connections and careers of other members of the house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and of his Catholic branch of Saxe-Coburg-Koháry during the course of the nineteenth century. In two further sections, Albert's connection with Victoria and his role within the family, politics, and society of the United Kingdom are being highlighted.

One part is dedicated to his connections to his hometown, continuing well after his wedding to Victoria, before finally again Prince Albert and the memorial culture instituted by Queen Victoria returns to the centre of attention.

The objects of the art collections of the Veste Coburg illustrate in their entirety many aspects of the themes sketched out and at the same time allow for the recognition of the way and scale to which Prince Albert and the dynastic networks contributed to the character of the collections.

• The objects related to "Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" available on bavarikon

The partial collections related to Prince Albert Saxe-Coburg and Gotha available on bavarikon

• Prince Albert – his origins from the house of Saxe-Coburg
• Saxe-Coburg becomes an international dynasty by means of its wedding policy
• Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Queen Victoria of England
• Prince Consort Albert – his family and his works
• Prince Albert and Coburg
• Memory and succession in Coburg

>> This collection is part of the stock of the art collections of the Veste Coburg (Fortress of Coburg).