The story of Princess Victoria of England, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, and her husband, Emperor Frederick III of Prussia. "Against the clash of dynasties and rattling sabres that forged modern Europe, the story of Victoria of England and her husband Frederick of Prussia emerges as a tragic love story while opening a spy hole on the secret history of the nineteenth century. In this compelling dual biography, Victoria, Crown Princess of Prussia, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, is revealed as a valuable source of information transmitted directly from the Prussian throne to Windsor Castle. Through royal marriages, each of Queen Victoria's children became a link in her intelligence network providing her with firsthand knowledge that enabled the Queen of England to shape the military and political events that were changing the face of Europe. The personal story of Frederick and Victoria is intimately drawn as a backdrop to the turbulent period that served as a prelude to World War I. Their tragic defeat, orchestrated by their own son Kaiser Wilhelm and by the powerful Otto von Bismarck, ended an era. On the death of Frederick, whose reign as Emperor lasted only ninety-nine days, the widowed Victoria entrusted her letters to and from her mother to Windsor Castle for safekeeping, fearing that the knowledge they contained could jeopardize her safety. Drawing on those letters, as well as on vast research in Great Britain, Europe, and the United States, the authors have documented the existence of a royal network of intelligence based on imperial blood relations. Royal Web, written in the tradition of Nicholas and Alexandra, is a tragic and compelling portrait of 'Vicky' and 'Fritz' that reveals for the first time the extraordinary impact their lives had on the formation of modern Europe."--Adapted from dust jacket.

Minuet before a wedding --Adieu to England -- Divided loyalty -- Besieged by Bismarck -- To us Germans -- To win to lose -- Waiting on ceremony -- Empire -- How long, O Lord, how long? -- Anguishes and omens -- At the throat -- The short reign -- Old scores, new places -- Retirement and requiem.