A copy of Pride and Prejudice read to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert will go on display as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary this year of Jane Austen’s birth.
The 1853 edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was Prince Albert’s personal copy, and it is going on display for the first time. Alongside it will be King George IV’s specially bound copy of Emma, which Jane Austen dedicated to the then Prince Regent.
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Royal Collection Trust
Queen Victoria recorded in her journal that while she was recovering from measles, Albert, “in the evening, began reading to me Miss Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.” He continued to read it to her, and the Queen was evidently hooked, describing it as “very amusing”, “admirably written” and ” interesting & entertaining.”
The books will go on display in the Queen’s Drawing Room, which originally led to Catherine of Braganza’s bedchamber but is today part of the Royal Library.
The books will be displayed on afternoons at Windsor Castle from 13:30–15:30 on Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Monday 27, Thursday 30, Friday 31 October, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November.
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