Although he adhered to the principle of a strong, constitutionally regulated place for the federal princes in the running of the state, he also believed that a constitutional participation of the people and a liberal economic system were indispensable economic and political dictates. In view of his own positive experience it is no wonder that Albert was increasingly convinced of the superiority of the English parliamentary system and its remarkable ability for reform from within as a guarantee for non-revolutionary development. The fact that the continental revolution of 1848 did not spread to England tends to confirm this train of thought. Fleeing from the revolution in Berlin Prince William, brother and successor to the throne of Frederick William IV of Prussia, found refuge at the English royal court. Cordial relations with the Prussian royal household had existed since the eighteenth century. The first Prussian king had been married to the sister of King George I, the second to George II's sister.