The Coburg Conspiracy: Victoria and Albert – Royal Plots and Manoeuvres
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family that ruled the Duchy of Coburg, a small, impoverished German fiefdom, had no political influence and few prospects. However, their fortunes changed dramatically following the marriage in Britain of first cousins Victoria and Albert in 1840. As a result of this, they gained control of the monarchical system of Europe, and by the beginning of the 20th century, their genes ran in no fewer than 13 royal families.
Just how did they achieve this astonishing turnaround?
Author Richard Sotnick draws on previously unavailable contemporary family documents to reveal the hidden early history of the Saxe-Coburg-Gothas, when the groundwork for their amazing success was laid:
- how Victoria and Albert’s uncle Leopold and his mother skilfully beavered away behind the scenes to establish an international dynasty
- how the scandalous divorce of Prince Albert’s mother resulted in her exile and banishment from her sons
- the truth behind the rumours surrounding Albert’s paternity.
The Coburg Conspiracy: Victoria and Albert – Royal Plots and Manoeuvres will be published in paperback on 24 May 2010