By 1836, the Duchess's brother, Leopold, who had been King of the Belgians since 1831, hoped to marry his niece to his nephew, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Leopold, Victoria's mother, and Albert's father (Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) were siblings. Leopold arranged for Victoria's mother to invite her Coburg relatives to visit her in May 1836, with the purpose of introducing Victoria to Albert. William IV, however, disapproved of any match with the Coburgs, and instead favoured the suit of Prince Alexander of the Netherlands, second son of the Prince of Orange. Victoria was aware of the various matrimonial plans and critically appraised a parade of eligible princes. According to her diary, she enjoyed Albert's company from the beginning. After the visit she wrote, "[Albert] is extremely handsome; his hair is about the same colour as mine; his eyes are large and blue, and he has a beautiful nose and a very sweet mouth with fine teeth; but the charm of his countenance is his expression, which is most delightful." Alexander, on the other hand, was "very plain". COUNT 13
QSN1 The Dutchesses brother Leopold was the King of what country? ANS1 the Belgians QSN2 What year did Leopold become King of the Belgians? ANS2 1831 QSN3 Who was the nephew of leopold? ANS3 Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha QSN4 Who was Alberts father? ANS4 Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha QSN5 How did Victoria describe the physical appearance of Alexander? ANS5 very plain QSN6 Who disapproved of the proposed marriage between Victoria and Albert? ANS6 William IV QSN7 Who was the man William IV wanted Victoria to wed instead?  ANS7 Prince Alexander of the Netherlands QSN8 Prince Alexander was the second son of whom?  ANS8 Prince of Orange QSN9 What did Victoria think of her suiter, the Prince Alexander of Orange?  ANS9 very plain QSN10 How did Victoria feel about Albert? ANS10 enjoyed Albert's company from the beginning QSN11 Who wanted to see Victoria and Albert marry? ANS11 the Duchess's brother, Leopold QSN12 Who opposed Victoria marrying Albert, or any Coburg? ANS12 William IV QSN13 Who did William IV feel was a suitable husband for Victoria? ANS13 Prince Alexander of the Netherlands