'The Young Victoria' shows surprising side of monarch

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Cast: Emily Blunt, Miranda Richardson, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany

Cert: PG

We tend to think of Queen Victoria in terms of her black-garbed, not amused, lengthy period of mourning following the death of Prince Albert, so here it is heartening to see her as a pretty, flighty and surprisingly sexy young lady at the time she met Albert.

It was a meeting set against a backcloth of political and palace intrigue when the Royal houses of Europe unloaded their children on one another in the cause of national interest rather than pure romance and politicos sought every means possible, and impossible, to grab and control the power behind the throne.

Yet Victoria and Albert fell instantly in love to form a remarkable partnership at a time of great social change, a great deal of which was due to the forward-thinking prince.

Here, in Julian Fellowes’ wonderful screenplay, we get to see Blunt give a great central performance as Victoria and Friend match her every step of the way as the loving and caring Albert.

The film brings us much that we never knew about the youthful Victoria who under the guidance of Albert became one of the British Empire’s most cherished monarchs.

Star Rating: 4/5