This pair of curling stones was given to Prince Albert (1819–61) at Scone Palace during his first visit to Scotland in 1842. On receiving them, the Prince expressed a desire to put them to use 'at a fitting time' and gave instructions for the stones to be sent to Windsor. However Queen Victoria proved so curious about the game that the polished oak floor of the room was hastily converted into a 'rink' for an immediate demonstration. The stones were sent 'roaring' along its smooth surface, and even the Queen herself was said to have taken part.

The sport of curling had a long tradition in Scotland but was relatively unknown in England at this time. The Grand Caledonian Curling Club, who had presented the pair, sent a further 20 curling stones to Prince Albert after his visit in the hope that the game might become a fashionable pastime further south.