In 1837 the 18-year-old Princess Victoria became the Queen of England. Three years later she married Albert, her first cousin from Germany, who was also 21. She was a cheerful girl and he was an honest, intelligent man, and throughout their marriage they were deeply in love. As Victoria was the Queen, Albert was not officially a king, but they were both highly respected and Victoria relied on Albert’s advice, especially regarding diplomatic matters. Yet his main devotion was to their family and their nine children. Albert died 40 years before Victoria, and devastated by the loss of her beloved prince, she never wore anything but black from then on.
C. Tristan and Isolde
There are many versions of this myth but all agree on the essential details of this story of star crossed lovers. Tristan was a knight sent to bring Isolde to his king, who she was supposed to marry. But before they reached the king’s court, Tristan and Isolde fell in love. The lovers had an affair but in the end separated. She married the king and he another girl. Yet, when he was dying from a poisoned wound, Tristan sent for Isolde. However, Tristan’s wife lied to him telling him that Isolde wasn’t coming. This news killed him. When Isolde arrived and found him dead, she died of a broken heart.
