Queen Victoria was still a teenager when she ascended to England’s throne in 1837, a time when the English monarchy was increasingly unpopular. Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, who was half in love with Victoria, realized that a suitable marriage and children were necessary to project an image of domesticity and stability to assure the monarchy’s future. Filmmaker Ian Denyer’s PBS/BBC documentary, hosted by Dr. Lucy Worsley, presents a dramatic re-creation of Victoria and Albert’s 1840 wedding, with historic commentary describing the "birth of a brand." Short and shapely, Victoria was besieged with suitors, but Melbourne had his eye on Victoria’s German cousin Albert. At first glance, Victoria found him "plump" and less than thrilling (and she wasn’t really eager to get married and start producing babies). However, on Albert’s second visit a couple of years later, the slimmed-down suitor left young Victoria struck with "pure, beautiful, gobsmacking love." Worsley ably illustrates that nothing in the wedding plans was left to chance: the pure white of the bride and bridesmaid dresses contrasted with the dreary grime of London, lace would be bought in Devon to both buy British and boost employment, an idealized wedding portrait would be commissioned (complete with fabricated medals and military uniform for Albert), and wedding oaths and music would present an ideal portrait of love and fidelity. Victoria had a temper, held grudges, and disliked her controlling mother, but all of that would be obscured in the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Worsley takes viewers behind-the-scenes to show the business of lace and dressmaking, the menus (heavy on sugar and lard), and the delicate seating arrangements, which were often dictated by politics. Victoria and Albert’s marriage, sadly cut short by Albert’s death some 20 years later, was mostly a happy one. Sure to appeal to history buffs and fans of the ongoing PBS series Victoria, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)
Victoria & Albert: The Wedding
(2018) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0940-2. Volume 34, Issue 4
Victoria & Albert: The Wedding
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