Christian Friedrich Baron Stockmar (1787–1863) was physician and advisor to Prince Leopold, son-in-law of George IV and later King of the Belgians. He was influential in promoting the marriage of Leopold's nephew Prince Albert to Queen Victoria, and became a trusted advisor to them both. His involvement in English politics was often seen as German interference in English matters, while in Germany he was regarded as a spy. These two volumes of his papers, selected by his son Ernst, were published in both German and English in 1872, and displeased Queen Victoria by its revelations about clashes between Lord Palmerston and the Prince Consort. Volume 2 focuses on the period 1838–1863, beginning with the Queen's engagement and marriage to Prince Albert, and describing the difficulties of the Prince Consort's role. It also covers English politics and foreign affairs, including the European revolutions of 1848 and the Crimean War.

Translated by: Georgina Adelaide Müller