The potential suitors and engagement of Prince Albert Victor

In 1889 Queen Victoria began searching for suitors for her grandson, Prince Albert Victor of Wales. At the top of the Queens list was her granddaughter, Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine. The Prince was Infatuated with his cousin and proposed to Alix during a joint trip to Balmoral. Unfortunately Alix believed the prince to be “too stupid” and, in May 1890, wrote to him rejecting his offer. Next on Victorias list was another of her granddaughters, Princess Margaret of Prussia. While the Prince of Wales had agreed to the match, his wife Alexandra “would object most strongly”.

Despite his grandmothers proposed suitors, Albert Victor fell in love with Princess Hélène of Orleans, Daughter of the Count of Paris. Queen Victoria had initially been against the match due to the Princess’s catholic faith. However, being easily swayed by matters of the heart, she came round to the idea when they explained the extent of their love. Not only was Hélène was willing to convert to the Church of England, but Albert Victor was also willing to renounce his succession rights in order to be with the woman he loved. Unfortunately for the couple, Victorias approval wasn’t enough and the count’s disagreement put a halt to their relationship.

The final suitor to be suggested was Princess Mary of Teck. Mary was the daughter of Queen Victoria’s cousin, Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge. Happy with the choice, Albert Victor proposed to the princess on 3rd December 1891 at Luton Hoo, the country residence of the Danish ambassador of Britain. Before long, wedding plans were put in place for 27th February 1892. However, things took a heartbreaking turn when the Prince fell ill with influenza, which eventually developed into pneumonia. Prince Albert Victor tragically passed away at Sandringham House on 14th January 1892, less than a week after his 28th birthday. During his funeral on 20th January, Princess Mary placed her bridal wreath of orange blossom on his coffin; but despite Mary being his fiancée, the prince’s sisters treated Hélène as his true partner.

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