Stanley Weintraub, biographer of Victoria and other major figures of her era, here unveils for the first time the largely hidden role of Albert, establishing him as one of the greatest men of his days. Drawing on previously unexplored sources, Weintraub delves into Albert's political, familial, financial, medical, and sexual life. As a youth, Albert had few choices of vocation.

Plucked from foreign obscurity - literally a "student prince" - he would sire the succession in what was then the most powerful empire on earth. His marriage, arranged as it was and stormy at times, remains one of the most surprising and arresting of love stories. Yet while Victoria adored him, his adopted people never accepted him, nor were they pleased with his behind-the-scenes behavior as surrogate sovereign.

He was active, often secretly, in foreign affairs and in military affairs. He played a major part in running the Crimean War, and early in the American Civil War played a major part in keeping Britain from intervening for the South. He was Britain's leading exponent of industrial and technological progress, culminating in the renowned Crystal Palace exhibition, the first - and most successful - World's Fair.

Indeed, virtually all royal instructions from the Queen to her officials, were drafted by the Prince Consort.