The Young Victoria

Wellington: Families. Who'd be be with out them. Stockmar: [to Leopold about Victoria] Let her enjoy her succession and the freedom it will bring... We must wait for disillusion and the loneliness that follows. Ernest: [about Victoria] She has brought down a government over a handful of ladies.

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0

Victoria: Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself? In a game being played against your will. Albert: Do you? Victoria: Constantly. I see them leaning in and moving me around the board. Albert: The Duchess and Sir John? Victoria: Not just them. Uncle Leopold. The king. I'm sure half the politicians are ready to seize hold of my skirts and drag me from square to square. Albert: Then you had better master the rules of the game until you play it better than they can. Victoria: You don't recommend I find a husband to play it for me? Albert: I should find one to play it with you, not for you.

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0

Queen Adelaide: You'll have to decide on a husband soon. What about Leopold's candidate? Victoria: I can't marry the man they want me to marry. Queen Adelaide: Every suitor will come with strings attached. Victoria: Can't I be my own mistress for a while, haven't I earned it? Dear Lord M, he's so very kind, I couldn't have asked for a better tutor. Queen Adelaide: You may dream of independence, but you won't get it. From now on, everyone will push and pull you for their own advantage, Melbourne more than the rest. Just remember, you are the queen. He's a politician. And politicians, whatever their creed, always resent the monarchy. They pass through, you stay. So just keep dear Lord M in his proper sphere. Victoria: He's already chosen the new household.

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0

Albert: I'm going back to England. Baron Stockmar: There must be a reason if you wish to visit Her Majesty. Albert: Then find me a reason.

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0

Victoria: I do want to help them, whatever you say. And not just the laboring poor, but the hungry and the homeless, and... There are people who are lost, and whose business is it to see to their welfare? Lord Melbourne: Well, in my experience, ma'am, it's best to let these things develop naturally. If you interfere, you risk overturning the cart. Victoria: Well, Albert doesn't agree. He's made a study of the working man's condition, he's full to the brim with ideas for their improvement. Lord Melbourne: Is he indeed? How inspiring.

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0

Albert: I just got your note. I was riding. Victoria: Sit, please. Albert: The park is marvelous. Victoria: I'm so pleased you like it. I do want you to feel quite at home... I'm sure you're aware why I wished you to come here. Because it would make me happier than anything, too happy really, if you would agree to what I wish. Albert: And stay with you? Victoria: And stay with me. Albert: And marry you? Victoria: And marry me!

The Young Victoria, CC BY-SA 4.0