Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a close and loving relationship that lasted throughout their marriage. They first met in 1836 when Victoria was just 17 years old and Albert was 20. They were introduced by their uncle, Leopold I of Belgium, who hoped that they would make a good match.

Despite some initial hesitation on Victoria's part, she soon fell deeply in love with Albert. They were married in 1840 and their wedding was a grand affair, with thousands of guests in attendance. Their marriage was seen as a great success, both in terms of their personal relationship and their ability to work together as partners in governing the country.

Albert was deeply involved in Victoria's reign, serving as her advisor and confidante on many matters. He also played an important role in shaping British culture, encouraging the arts, sciences, and industry. He was particularly interested in education and helped to establish the Royal Commission on Popular Education, which led to significant reforms in the education system.

Sadly, Prince Albert died in 1861 at the age of 42. He had been ill for some time, suffering from what was then called "typhoid fever," although the exact nature of his illness is still a matter of debate. His death was a devastating blow to Victoria, who was plunged into deep grief. She went into a period of mourning that lasted for the rest of her life, and withdrew from public life for many years.

The impact of Albert's death on Victoria was profound. She was left without her closest advisor and confidante, and struggled to find meaning in her life without him. She became increasingly isolated, and her grief had a profound impact on her reign. Some historians have suggested that Victoria's withdrawal from public life during this period weakened the monarchy and contributed to the rise of the republican movement in Britain.

Overall, Victoria and Albert's relationship was a strong and loving one, marked by mutual respect and a deep commitment to each other. Their partnership was a crucial element of Victoria's reign, and Albert's death had a significant impact on both Victoria and the monarchy as a whole.

Prince Albert's funeral was a solemn and elaborate affair, befitting his position as the husband of Queen Victoria and the consort of the British monarch. The funeral took place on December 23, 1861, at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, where Albert's body had been lying in state since his death on December 14.

The funeral procession was led by a troop of Life Guards, followed by the bands of the Foot Guards and the Horse Guards. The coffin, covered in black velvet and adorned with Prince Albert's personal crest, was borne by eight pallbearers, including Albert's brothers and several members of the royal family.

The streets of London were lined with mourners as the procession made its way to Windsor Castle, where a requiem service was held at St. George's Chapel. The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and included several musical performances, including a rendition of Handel's "Dead March" from "Saul."

After the service, the coffin was taken to the Royal Mausoleum, where it was placed in a temporary vault. This was not to be Albert's final resting place, however. Victoria was determined to create a grand memorial to her beloved husband, and commissioned a mausoleum to be built at Frogmore, a royal estate near Windsor Castle.

Construction of the mausoleum took several years, and it was not completed until 1871. The mausoleum is a grand Gothic structure, with a marble statue of Prince Albert in the center of the room. Victoria was buried beside him after her own death in 1901.

The funeral of Prince Albert was a significant event in British history, marking the passing of a beloved figure and a key player in the monarchy. The grandeur and solemnity of the ceremony reflected the importance of Albert's role as the husband and advisor to Queen Victoria, and his legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.