Chapter VI

1837

Spain and Portugal--Music with Princes Ernest and Albert --Parliamentary language and political passion--The throne of Greece --Queen of the Belgians' dowry--The English Press--The Princess's establishment--Young Belgian cousins--Irish Municipal Bill--Whig Ministers--Birthday rejoicings--King Leopold's advice and encouragement--Accession imminent--Condition of the King--Reliance on Lord Melbourne--The Princess and the Church--The Accession--The Queen's journal--Interview with Lord Melbourne--The Queen's first Council--Letter from the King of the French--Congratulations from King Leopold--Nationality of the Queen--The Queen and her Ministers --Reflection advised--Baron Stockmar--Important subjects for study --Sister Queens--Letter from Queen Adelaide--Buckingham Palace--Madame de Lieven--Parliament prorogued--England and Russia--Discretion advised --Singing lessons--The elections--Prevalence of bribery--End of King Leopold's visit--Reception at Brighton--Security of letters--England and France--France and the Peninsula--Count Molé--The French in Africa --Close of the session--Prince Albert's education--Canada--Army estimates--Secretaries of State (pages 56-101)

CHAPTER VII 1838

Lord Melbourne--Canada--Influence of the Crown--Daniel O'Connell --Position of Ministers of State in England and abroad--New Poor Law --Pressure of business--Prince Albert's education--Favourite horses --Deaths of old servants--The Coronation--Address from Bishops--Ball at Buckingham Palace--Independence and progress of Belgium --Anglo-Belgian relations--Foreign policy--Holland and Belgium --Coronation Day--Westminster Abbey--The enthronement--Receiving homage--Popular enthusiasm--Coronation incidents--Pages of honour --Extra holidays for schools--Review in Hyde Park--Lord Durham and Canada--Government of Canada--Ireland and O'Connell--Death of Lady John Russell--The Queen's sympathy with Lord John Russell--Belgium and English Government--Belgium and Holland--Canada--Resignation of the Earl of Durham--English Church for Malta--Disappointment of Duke of Sussex--Brighton (pages 102-140)