It was only thanks to this couple that the English monarchy was able to overcome the lowest point of its popularity and gain the public esteem it still enjoys today. Through modesty, intelligence and expertise, and especially through his immense zest for work, Albert was able to step out of the shadowy existence that the English constitution had foreseen for him as prince consort. Benjamin Disraeli paid tribute to Albert with the following words: "This German prince ruled England for 21 years with a wisdom and energy that none of our kings has ever shown." Albert realised ideas in Great Britain that he had found in Germany. But above all he was able to bring to fruition a universal notion of culture that he himself had essentially formulated and that was to exert an influence on both Great Britain and Germany. He set reform processes in motion, including the reorganisation of Cambridge University based on Humboldt's ideals of education and principles for research and teaching; he opened new perspectives on agricultural economics by setting up a model farm at Windsor; in 1844 he was made chairman of the Royal Commission to decorate the House of Parliament that was being rebuilt after having been destroyed by fire