Queen Victoria ruled over England and the expansive British Empire for more than sixty years, but she had plans for something much bigger: a united Europe, linked by common principles—and by blood. Her husband, Albert, had a grand vision to marry off their nine children—and, eventually, scores of grandchildren—into the royal households of neighboring countries, bringing peace and prosperity to Britain and beyond. After Albert's death in 1861, Victoria remained determined to see his dream become reality. But things did not always go according to plan, and many of her children and grandchildren had their own ambitions. Author Deborah Cadbury guides readers through the most notable of these political matches, as well as the fates of the betrothed—and of Albert and Victoria's grand vision.