The figure that made its way into the hearts of the middle ...

The figure that made its way into the hearts of the middle classes was not the happy, self-willed little Whig of 1837, but the young matron, tireless, submissive, dutiful. Her Court was dull, but the Royal nursery was irresistible.

Prince Albert had seized the key positions-morality and industry'-behind which the Monarchy was safe. A revolt of the special constables would have been formidable: a virtuous and domestic Sovereign, interested in docks

and railways, hospitals and

tenements, self-help and mutual improvement, was impregnable.

Such a Sovereign, and much more beside, Prince Albert would have been, and in this mild, beneficent light he displayed his Consort's crown to the world.

As its power pursued its inevitable downward curve, its influence rose in equipoise.

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