Victoria Christmas Special –
“In many ways, the traditional image of family and Christmas stems from them.”
It is certainly true that Prince Albert created many of the activities we still love at Christmas today.
Goodwin, 55, who had a cameo as Lady Cecilia Underwood, Duchess of Inverness in an episode of reveals that, “Albert really was behind many of our Christmas traditions. He filled the Palace with Christmas trees – one for each member of the family.
“He sent Christmas cards and wrote his own Christmas music. He took Christmas away from its pagan roots and made it a much more respectable family festival.”
Coleman admits that before this episode she had been unaware of the extent to which Albert had influenced our idea of Christmas.
“What is fascinating is that you see Christmas becoming Christmas as we know it in this episode,” she says. “I love Victoria’s line about not expecting a forest Christmas when talking about all the trees. It seems we have Prince Albert to thank for an awful lot that has shaped our world today.”
The other major storyline concerns Victoria taking in an African orphan called Sara.
“I think Victoria’s interest in Sara is twofold,” says Coleman. “Sara is a princess from another world and, throughout Victoria’s life, she has always been curious about other cultures and traditions.
“Sara enters Victoria’s life as an orphan, abandoned and alone, and I think Victoria can see something of herself in Sara.”
The 31-year-old actress adds that, “It becomes an almost cathartic experience. As she tries to help Sara rebuild herself, Victoria eases the wounds of her own childhood experience.”
The drama emphasises the youthful vibrancy of Victoria and Albert at this time.
Hughes, 32, reflects that, “It’s important to remember that Victoria and Albert are only in their 20s.
“So they are still these two young spirits, and there is a freshness, a vitality, perhaps an idealism and drive in them.
“We see Albert navigate his way not only through his growing maturity, but parenthood, love, passion, invention, science and loss.”
However, the passion of the spirited young couple often spills over into heated arguments and power struggles.
Hughes puts it down to Albert’s driven character.
“There is a strident, inquisitive and, at times, restless nature within him,” Hughes says. “As such, I am not sure if he would ever truly feel as if he has finished striving.”
Finally, what is the best Christmas present writer Daisy Goodwin has ever received? She laughs. “I’m still waiting for a tiara like Albert designs and gives to Victoria in this episode.”
“Albert really was behind many of our Christmas traditions. He filled the Palace with Christmas trees – one for each member of the family.” – Daisy Goodwin (creator)