A Royal Romance That Never Was: The ENGAGEMENT Of Albert Victor & Mary of Teck

The brief engagement between Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, and Mary of Teck offers a glimpse into an alternate royal history, though one that likely would not have ended well. Albert Victor, born prematurely in 1864, was second in line to the British throne. However, his reputation was marred by doubts about his abilities and character, which gave Mary of Teck, a noblewoman of limited fortune and royal ties, an unexpected opportunity for advancement.
In November 1891, Queen Victoria summoned Mary to Balmoral Castle, ostensibly to evaluate her as a potential wife for Albert Victor. Mary, while familiar with the royal family, had unfavorable impressions of Albert Victor, whom she had known as "Eddy" and who had bullied her in childhood. He lacked intellectual curiosity, struggled with possible learning difficulties, and had a reputation for alcohol abuse, frequenting brothels and facing rumors about same-sex relationships. His behavior and health issues led some to question his suitability for the throne, making his younger brother George a preferred heir.
Before his engagement to Mary, Albert Victor had a brief relationship with Princess Hélène of Orléans, but religious differences between them made marriage impossible. By the summer of 1891, their relationship ended. Mary’s subsequent engagement to Albert Victor, however, seemed pragmatic rather than romantic. As his health deteriorated, the need for a stable royal match became pressing, and Mary was deemed a suitable candidate. The Queen approved, and Mary, whose family’s financial stability depended on the match, accepted.
Albert Victor’s proposal in December 1891 was a formality, and Mary, though not in love, accepted the engagement. The public announcement in London was met with cheers, and the couple appeared to move forward with wedding preparations. However, Albert Victor’s health worsened dramatically. After a birthday celebration on January 7, 1892, he fell ill and died on January 14 from what was believed to be the flu, though some speculated about poisoning. This theory remains unproven, but his death ended the engagement before it could be consummated.
Mary of Teck, deeply mourned in the public eye, withdrew from royal duties after Albert Victor’s death. She maintained close relations with the Wales family, particularly George, Albert Victor's younger brother and the new heir to the throne. Over time, George and Mary formed a bond that blossomed into love. In 1893, after a period of mourning, George proposed, and they married later that year. Their reign as King George V and Queen Mary began in 1910, and their 25-year rule witnessed significant historical changes. Mary would go on to witness her granddaughter Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1952, completing a remarkable journey through royal history.