Public Perception and Popularity

Where it surfaces

• Queen Victoria

  The chapter explores how Victoria's popularity fluctuated, from early adulation to criticism during her withdrawal, and eventual revival through jubilees.

• Chapter III: The Duke of Kent's Dilemma

  The Duke of Kent's use of Creevey to influence political opinion, and the Duke of Wellington's remark about the royal family's unpopularity in the Commons, underscore the importance of public and parliamentary perception.

• II: Childhood

  The shift in Victoria's status from protégée of an opposition clique to symbol of middle-class victory reflects the importance of public perception and political popularity.

• II

  Victoria's upbringing is shaped by the need to appeal to public opinion, with the Duchess aligning with liberal causes and the child's tactful reply to George IV highlighting early awareness of public image.

• I

  The public's enthusiastic reception of the young queen contrasts with the previous unpopularity of her uncles.

• II

  Leopold's need for recognition and the apparatus of royalty, contrasting with Stockmar's preference for obscurity, reflects the importance of public image.

• IV

  Mr. Creevey's amused observations reflect how Victoria's natural, joyful demeanor disarms observers and shapes her public image.

• VI

  The Lady Flora Hastings scandal causes Victoria's once-radiant popularity to entirely disappear, highlighting the fragility of public opinion.

• The Bedchamber Crisis

  The Queen's partisan stance and the Tory press's attacks during the Lady Flora affair heighten political tensions and shape public opinion.

• Happiness and Turmoil

  The Hastings scandal severely damages Victoria's public image, leading to hisses and insults at public events.

• VII

  The Exhibition transforms public opinion from hostility to universal praise, boosting Albert's and Victoria's popularity.

• V: Lord Palmerston

  Palmerston's immense popularity contrasts with Albert's unpopularity in high society and among the public, who view him as un-English and foreign-influenced.

• I

  Evident in Palmerston's immense popularity with the English public versus Albert's unpopularity in high society, and the contrast between their public images.

• II

  Palmerston's popularity and political resilience contrast with the Prince's more private influence; the public remains unaware of the constitutional clash.

• III

  Public alarm over foreign influence (Albert and Stockmar) and the fall of a popular minister (Palmerston) highlight the tension between the Crown and public opinion.

• Last Years of Prince Consort

  Albert remains regarded as a foreigner despite the title of Prince Consort, and his appearance draws unkind comparisons, reflecting his struggle with public perception.

• I

  Feodora's letter and Mr. Klumpp's praise highlight how Albert's character is viewed favorably by outsiders, reinforcing his public image.

• III

  Victoria's patriotic displays and emotional connection with soldiers enhance her public image as the embodiment of England during the war.

• VII: Widowhood

  Victoria's seclusion leads to public criticism, press attacks, and a decline in popularity, highlighting the tension between private grief and public duty.

• I

  References how politicians and the public viewed Albert's death and his influence, with Disraeli and Clarendon offering contrasting assessments.

• II

  The public criticizes Victoria's seclusion and her political stance on Schleswig-Holstein, leading to a wave of unpopularity.

• III

  The chapter contrasts Victoria's idealized image of Albert with the public's indifferent or skeptical reception.

• IV

  The public subscription and parliamentary funding for the Albert Memorial demonstrate the Prince's posthumous popularity and the nation's desire to honor him.

• VIII: Gladstone and Lord Beaconsfield

  Victoria's seclusion fuels republican sentiment, and Disraeli's flattery helps restore her public image and self-confidence.

• I

  Victoria's personal feelings toward her ministers are shaped by their public demeanor and how they perceive her, contrasting Gladstone's institutional view with Disraeli's personal reverence.

• II

  The Queen's seclusion and perceived extravagance lead to a surge in republican criticism and a decline in monarchical popularity.

• The Faery and the Prime Minister

  The chapter examines how Disraeli's flattery and imperial policies restore Victoria's self-confidence and public image, contrasting with the earlier republican sentiment and Gladstone's more restrained approach.

• Old Age

  The Queen's sincere and transparent personality endears her to the public; the 1897 Jubilee demonstrates widespread adoration.

• I

  The Queen's efforts to shape public opinion through The Times and her publication of the Highland Journal reveal her concern with how she and her relationships are viewed by the nation.

• Chapter II

  The nation's attitude shifts from critical to adoring, culminating in the triumphant Golden Jubilee and Victoria's embrace as the mother of her people.

• III

  Victoria's later years are marked by adoration and success, with her presence becoming a fixture of national stability and her personal charm casting a spell over those around her.

• The Apotheosis of Victoria

  Examines Victoria's apotheosis, her sincerity, and the public's adoration during the 1897 Jubilee, despite her detachment from the era.

• X: The End

  The nation's astonished grief at the approaching end reflects how Victoria had become an indissoluble part of her subjects' scheme of things.