Did Albert Ever Become King?

When discussing the British monarchy, many people get a bit confused. Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, never became king in his lifetime. At the time, the title 'Prince Consort' was used to describe a husband of the queen who did not ascend to the throne. Albert died in 1861, and Queen Victoria ruled for another 40 years. This article will clarify the confusion and explain the sequence of events that led to Albert's son, Albert Edward, becoming King Edward VII.

Who Was Prince Albert?

Prince Albert was married to Queen Victoria in 1840, but he was never referred to as King Albert. The title 'Prince Consort' was used to indicate that he was the queen's husband and a consort, but not a reigning king. Upon his death, Albert's eldest son, Albert Edward, who was born in 1841, was next in line for the throne.

Albert Edward, the Heir to the Throne

Albert Edward, known within his family as Bertie, was the second child and the first son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was born on November 9, 1841, and went by the nickname Bernie. Despite his father's tragic early death and the queen's subsequent deep mourning, Albert Edward was destined to follow in his father's footsteps in the royal lineage.

The Coronation of King Edward VII

Queen Victoria passed away on January 22, 1901, following a 63-year reign. Albert Edward, by then known as Edward VII, was crowned King of the United Kingdom on January 9, 1901. He chose the name 'Edward' prior to his coronation, as a tribute to both his father and the country's history. His reign is considered one of the most popular and successful in British history, lasting until his death in 1910.

The Lineage of British Monarchs

Before Albert Edward became King Edward VII, the sequence of succession was as follows: Victoria (reigned 1837-1901), Albert (Prince Consort), Victoria (mother of Edward VII), and Edward VII (reigned 1901-1910). After Edward VII, he was succeeded by his son, George V, and he is the great-grandfather of the current Queen Elizabeth II.

Concluding Thoughts

The British monarchy is a rich tapestry of tradition and history. While Prince Albert never became king in his lifetime, his legacy lived on through his eldest son, Albert Edward, who went on to rule as King Edward VII. Understanding this history can help bring clarity to the question of who became king following Victoria and the lineage of British monarchs.