Unfortunately, however, Bismarck was opposed to the scheme.
He perceived that the marriage would endanger the friendship between Germany and Russia, which was vital to his foreign policy, and he announced that it must not take place.

A fierce struggle between the Empress and the Chancellor followed.

Victoria, whose hatred of her daughter's enemy was unbounded, came over to Charlottenburg to join in the fray.

Bismarck, over his pipe and lager, snorted out his alarm.

The Queen of England's object, he said, was clearly political--she wished to estrange Germany and Russia--and very likely she would have her way.