The Young Victoria

The Young Victoria is a 2009 British period drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Julian Fellowes, based on the early life and reign of Queen Victoria, and her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Produced by Graham King, Martin Scorsese, Sarah Ferguson, and Timothy Headington, the film stars Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Harriet Walter, Mark Strong, and Jim Broadbent among a large ensemble cast. As screenwriter, Fellowes sought to make the film as historically accurate as possible. With this in mind, Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell and historical consultant Alastair Bruce were hired, and filming for The Young Victoria took place at various historical landmarks in England to further the film's authenticity. Despite this, some aspects of the film have been criticised for their historical inaccuracies. Momentum Pictures released the film in the United Kingdom and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group opened The Young Victoria in limited theatrical release in the United States. Critical reception was generally positive. Plot Princess Victoria of Kent, the heiress presumptive to the British throne during the reign of her uncle King William IV, is subject to a political tug of war for influence over her. On one side is her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and the comptroller of the Duchess's household, Sir John Conroy. Conroy tries to force Victoria to sign papers declaring a regency to give her mother (and himself) power if Victoria ascends the throne before her 18th birthday (that is, while still a minor), the provision remaining in effect until she is 25 years old. On the other side is her maternal uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium, who uses family ties to secure an alliance between the United Kingdom and Belgium. He wants his nephew Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who is Victoria's cousin, to marry her. Albert is coached in Victoria's likes and dislikes. The Duchess invites the Coburg brothers, Albert and Prince Ernest of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, to visit. Victoria and Albert develop a mutual fondness, despite Victoria knowing that their uncle sent Albert to romance her. They begin writing to one another after Albert returns home.