In an age when royal marriages were contrived for political ends, it seemed a happy omen when Vicky, eldest and cleverest daughter of Queen Victoria, fell passionately in love with her betrothed, Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia. Their love affair was to last for over thirty years. Yet, despite this promising union, dreams of a European peace and the couple's own hopes for social change were soon shattered.Brought up in the shadow of his draconian father, the liberal, self-effacing 'Fritz' was doomed never to find a voice in the destiny of his people. Reviled in the Nationalist press, the bubbly young princess for her part made little impression on the frigid, patriarchal court at Berlin.In March, 1888, despite the machinations of the conservative faction led by Bismarck, Fritz at last became King. A few short months later, however, his death from throat cancer precipitated the arrogant Willy - Kasier Wilhelm II - to power, leaving Vicky improverished and at the mercy of her abusive son. It was a turning point in European history.John Van der Kiste's new biography is the first to set this tragic story of love and loss against the turbulent background of an emerging democracy. Through letters and other sources, he challenges the view that Vicky was a domineering schemer who meddled in affairs of state and flaunted her British 'superiority'. Including 16 pages of black and white illustrations, full biography and index, this compelling book will appeal to anyone interested in modern royal and European history. Read Less