Prince Albert's Copy of Pride and Prejudice He Read to Queen Victoria Goes on Display at Windsor Castle
Rare Jane Austen books from the Royal Library revealed for the first time this October half-term.
In a touching glimpse into the private life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Windsor Castle will display the actual copy of Pride and Prejudice that the Prince Consort read aloud to his wife during her recovery from measles in 1853. This extraordinary piece of royal and literary history will be shown publicly for the first time this October half-term, alongside other rare Jane Austen treasures from the Royal Library.
A Royal Romance Through Literature
The display offers visitors a rare window into one of history's great royal love stories. Queen Victoria's journal entries from July 1853 reveal how Prince Albert entertained his recovering wife by reading Jane Austen's beloved novel over several evenings. The Queen was clearly captivated, describing the book as "very amusing," "admirably written," and "interesting & entertaining" – proving that even monarchs can become engrossed in Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's romance.
This intimate tradition of reading together was apparently common for the royal couple, with Pride and Prejudice being just one of many books they shared. The physical copy on display comes from Prince Albert's private library and bears witness to these tender moments between husband and wife – a far cry from the formal state occasions we typically associate with Victorian royalty.
Royal Readers and Austen Admirers
The exhibition also showcases the broader royal family's appreciation for Jane Austen's work, particularly through George IV's passion for her novels. The future king was such an admirer that he kept complete sets of Austen's works at each of his residences – the Georgian equivalent of having your favorite books on every device.
A highlight of the display is George IV's personal copy of Emma, which Austen herself dedicated to him when he was Prince Regent. The story behind this dedication is particularly charming: after Austen was given a tour of Carlton House (the Prince Regent's London residence) by royal librarian James Stanier Clarke, she sent him a specially bound three-volume edition of Emma before Christmas 1815. The books, featuring elegant gold tooling, were placed in his library at Carlton House and remain a testament to the direct connection between the author and the royal family.
Literary Treasures Revealed
Visitors will see three significant Austen editions:
- Prince Albert's Pride and Prejudice: The actual volume from which he read to Queen Victoria, making its public debut
- George IV's dedicated copy of Emma: Personally inscribed by Jane Austen to the Prince Regent
- A well-worn first edition of Pride and Prejudice: Possibly from the Servants' Library, showing that Austen's appeal crossed class boundaries even within royal households
The display also includes two books of colorful Regency costume illustrations – Costume of England and Costume of the Ladies of Paris – providing context for the fashion and style of Austen's era.
Where History and Literature Meet
The books will be displayed in the Queen's Drawing Room, a space steeped in centuries of royal history. Once one of Windsor Castle's most important reception rooms, it originally led to the bedchamber of Catherine of Braganza, Charles II's queen consort. Today, the room houses significant Tudor and Stuart portraits, including a rare painting of Elizabeth I as a princess and works by Hans Holbein the Younger.
This setting creates a powerful connection between different eras of royal history – from Tudor portraits to Georgian novels to Victorian romance – all within one magnificent room that now forms part of the Royal Library's 240,000-item collection.
A Royal Literary Celebration
The timing of this display is particularly significant, marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth in 1775. It demonstrates how Austen's work has been cherished by successive generations of the royal family, from George IV's contemporary admiration to Victoria and Albert's shared enjoyment decades later.
The display also reveals something deeply human about these historical figures. Victoria, often portrayed as stern and unamused, emerges as a woman who enjoyed a good romance novel. Albert, the serious prince consort, becomes a devoted husband reading to his sick wife. Even George IV, known for his extravagance, is shown as a genuine literary enthusiast who valued good storytelling.
Visit Information
When to See the Display:
- Afternoons only (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM) on:
- October 25-27 (Saturday-Monday)
- October 30-31 (Thursday-Friday)
- November 1-2 (Saturday-Sunday)
What Else to Explore: While visiting, families can also enjoy Georgian-themed activities at the Pug Yard Learning Centre, including:
- Georgian costume dressing-up
- Create your own silhouette portrait (a popular Georgian pastime)
- Historical trails throughout the Castle
- Arts and craft activities
The opulent Semi-State Rooms, George IV's private apartments featuring furnishings from Carlton House, are also open for viewing.
Making History Accessible
In a wonderful initiative to make royal heritage accessible to all, Windsor Castle offers £1 tickets for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other benefits, covering up to six household members. Regular admission includes significant discounts for families, with children 5-17 at half price and under-5s free.
Particularly valuable for families is the 1-Year Pass option – convert your day ticket into unlimited entry for 12 months, perfect for returning to enjoy Christmas activities and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Why This Matters
This display offers something uniquely special – a chance to see the actual books held and read by royalty, not reproductions or similar editions. These volumes were touched by Prince Albert's hands as he read to his beloved Victoria, inscribed by Jane Austen herself for a future king, and worn from use by readers in royal households.
In an age of e-readers and audiobooks, there's something profoundly moving about seeing these physical books that connected monarchs to one of England's greatest authors. They remind us that beneath the crowns and titles, members of the royal family have always been readers, romantics, and admirers of great storytelling.
For Austen fans, royal history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the intersection of literature and history, this is a rare opportunity not to be missed. Where else can you stand before the very book that brought together a queen, her prince, and one of literature's greatest love stories on a summer evening 172 years ago?
For tickets and more information, visit www.rct.uk or call +44 (0)30 3123 7304
Follow Royal Collection Trust: Instagram @royalcollectiontrust | Facebook @royalcollectiontrust | X @RCT
