Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a.k.a.: The Prince Consort of Queen Victoria; Christened: (Francis) Albert Augustus CharlesEmmanuel; He was an active and effective patron of the arts and sciences, organizing such enterprises as the epochal Great Exhibition of 1851 tostimulate the growth of British commerce, industry and national pride. Although regarded by many Britons as a meddling foreigner, Albert succeededin strengthening the monarchy and in encouraging social progress. Overburdened with work, he succumbed to typhoid fever at the age of 42.

Victoria, Queen of England, Empress of India; a.k.a.: Alexandrina Victoria Reign: 20 Jun 1837 - 22 Jan 1901; Crowned: Westminster Abbey 28 Jun 1838; She became queen at age 18. Her 63 year reign was the longest in the history of England. Her descendants, including 40 grandchildren, married into almost every royal family of Europe. With her personal example of honesty, patriotism and devotion to family life, Victoria became a living symbol of the solidity of the British Empire. The many years of her reign, often referred to as the Victorian age, witnessed the rise of middle class and were marked by a deeply conservative morality and intense nationalism. She was obsessed with the collecting of memorabilia of her family. She mourned her late husband, Albert, for more than 40 years.