It was when Queen Victoria decided, 17 years after her marriage to her cousin Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, to appoint him Prince Consort and to consult him fully about the matters of state that she had to deal with as sovereign.

BBC: Philip the record-setting consort

Queen Beatrix's consort Prince Claus suffered from severe depression for years and felt constrained by his role.

CNN: What Dutch 'bicycling monarchs' can teach world's royals

Queen Juliana's consort Prince Claus suffered from severe depression for years and felt constrained by his role.

CNN: What Dutch 'bicycling monarchs' can teach world's royals