Prince Albert’s premature death in 1861 was a shock for the whole world and particularly his wife, Queen Victoria. While her feelings following his death are well known, let’s take a look at a selection of her letters and journals from the weeks leading up to it.

Prince Albert’s final illness and death through Queen Victoria’s journals and letters – 25th November 1861

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 26th November 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 27th & 28th November 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 29th November 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 30th November and 1st December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 2nd December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 3rd December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 4th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 5th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals – 6th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 7th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 8th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 9th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 10th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 11th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 12th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 13th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 20th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 24th December 1861:

The final illness and death of Prince Albert through Queen Victoria’s letters and journals, 14th December 1861:

Queen Victoria’s journal: the reburial of Prince Albert at the Frogmore Mausoleum, 18th December 1862