The Albert Memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria. Albert was immensely important to her, and the size, material and location of the memorial reflects that. Quite apart from anything, she had nine children by Albert and was in love with him. When he died aged just 41 she wore black for the rest of her life, another forty years.

But since you asked, was he popular? Not with the ruling politicians of the time. Nor with the public. He was too German, and not royal enough for a monarch who effectively ruled over half the world at the time.

Historians have tended to consider Albert mainly for his role as Victoria's consort. But more recent research looking at his own legacy tends to position him as a social innovator, progressive and patron of arts and technology. In particular, it points to his role overseeing the 1851 Great Exhibition, and his role in founding the world class museums and educational establishments around South Kensington in London (Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, the Royal College of Art, the Royal College of Music, the Science Museum, the Imperial College London).

Albert is also believed to have played a role as a social innovator too, championing issues such as child labour and poverty.