The girlhood of Queen Victoria, vol. 1 (of 2)

by Queen of Great Britain Victoria

INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER VII

The break between the life of Princess Victoria and that of the young Queen was now complete. Changes came innumerable and fast. Her Household was formed, and it reflected the complexion of Lord Melbourne’s Ministry, which had been established in power after the General Election by a majority of thirty-eight. The Queen left the home of her childhood for ever. She was the first Sovereign to occupy Buckingham Palace. The building had been begun by George IV., and although finished by William IV., had never been prepared for occupation. It remained an inconvenient house until it was added to in after-years by Prince Albert. Although Baron Stockmar, the old medical attendant of King Leopold, who had been domiciled in England by command of his master, was reputed to be acting as the Queen’s Private Secretary, that post was in reality occupied by Lord Melbourne himself. He was both Private Secretary and Tutor to the young Queen at this stage of her career. Her political education proceeded fast, and she learned with avidity. Her good sense and composure were indeed remarkable. It was noted by all that she was considerate and thoughtful to her elderly relatives, and to the friends and servants of her predecessor. Her girlish charm was attractive to those who were privileged to be about her, and its influence over her subjects was soon widespread. When within a month of her accession she appeared in the House of Lords to dissolve Parliament in accordance with the Law, she read her Speech, said Fanny Kemble, who was present, with splendid effect. This well-qualified judge observed that the Queen’s voice was exquisite, that her enunciation was as perfect as the intonation was melodious, and that it was impossible to hear more excellent utterance than that of the Queen’s English by the English Queen.

It is difficult always to remember that the writer of these Journals was at this epoch little more than a child, that she had been educated almost exclusively by women, and that she had lived on the whole a very solitary life, hampered by the unhappy conditions attached to a girl who possesses no brothers and sisters, and is in addition heir to a Throne. She was now suddenly thrown almost entirely among men, grave and old, all of whom were engaged in administering the complicated affairs of that Kingdom of which she was Queen. It is difficult to imagine a greater contrast. How rapidly the youthful Princess became a woman under the pressure of these extraordinary circumstances becomes clear from her Journals. They indicate a curious maturity, through which, however, there peeps occasionally the face and figure of a child.

CHAPTER VII
1837

Friday, 14th July.—Got up after 8. At ½ p. 9 I, Mamma, Lehzen, and Lady Flora breakfasted upstairs. Wrote, signed, &c. Saw Sir F. Watson, Col. Cavendish, Sir H. Wheatley, Stockmar. At a little after 11 saw Sir John Hobhouse[317] for a little while. He is a very clever and agreeable man. I saw him (where I shall see all the Ministers &c.) in the small room[318] which opens into my sitting-room. Wrote my journal. Dressed. At a few minutes to 2 I went with Mamma and the Duchess of Sutherland (in my carriage), Lady Charlemont and Lord Albemarle (in the next carriage), and Charles, Mary, and Lady Flora (in the other) to St. James’s. I was in full dress and wore the blue ribbon and star of the Garter, and the Garter round my arm. I was received in the same way as before. I went into the Throne Room, sat on the Throne, and received three Addresses in the same way as on Friday. Two of the Addresses were very fully attended and the room became intensely hot. I then put on the Mantle and Collar of the Garter (of dark blue velvet lined with white silk). Gave a few minutes audience to Lord Melbourne. I then went into the Throne Room (did not sit on the Throne), held a Chapter of the Garter and conferred that Order on Charles. Mamma, Charles and Mary went away immediately after this, but I remained and gave a long audience to Lord Melbourne, who read to me the Speech which I am to deliver when I prorogue Parliament. He reads so well and with so much good feeling. I am sorry to see him still looking ill. I then saw the Duke of Devonshire.[319] Came home with my two Ladies at ½ p. 4.

Saturday, 15th July.—At a few minutes p. 2 I went into one of the large drawing-rooms and held a Cabinet Council, at which were present all the Ministers. The Council lasted but a very short while. I then went into my Closet and received Lord Melbourne there. He stayed with me till 20 minutes to 4. He seemed and said he was better. He has such an honest, frank, and yet gentle manner. He talks so quietly. I always feel peculiarly satisfied when I have talked with him. I have great confidence in him. Saw the Duke of Argyll[320] and Lord Albemarle. At 10 minutes to 4 came Lord Palmerston and stayed about 20 minutes. He is a very clever and agreeable man. I then saw Lord Glenelg for a short while. Played and sang. Wrote my journal. At a ¼ to 8 I dined. Mamma being unwell did not come to dinner. Besides the people in the House which made with me 6,—Charles, Mary, the Duke of Sussex, Princess Sophia, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl and Countess of Mulgrave, the Earl and Countess of Durham, the Earl of Liverpool and the Ladies Jenkinson, the Lord and the Equerry in Waiting, and Lord John Churchill[321] dined here. I sat between Uncle Sussex and the Duke of Norfolk. After dinner, at 10 o’clock came Thalberg,[322] the most famous pianist in the world! He played four things, all by heart. They were all Fantasias by him; (1) on The Preghiera of Mosé, (2) on “God save the King” and “Rule Britannia,” (3) on Norma, (4) on Les Huguenots. Never, never did I hear anything at all like him! He combines the most exquisite, delicate and touching feeling with the most wonderful and powerful execution! He is unique and I am quite in ecstasies and raptures with him. I sat quite near the piano and it is quite extraordinary to watch his hands, which are large, but fine and graceful. He draws tones and sounds from the piano which no one else can do. He is unique. He is quite young, about 25, small, delicate-looking, a very pleasing countenance, and extremely gentlemanlike. He is modest to a degree and very agreeable to talk to. J’étais en extase!...

Monday, 17th July.—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Saw Sir F. Watson and Col. Cavendish. Saw Stockmar. At ½ p. 1 I went in state to the House of Lords, with the Duchess of Sutherland and the Master of the Horse in my carriage, and Lady Lansdowne and Lady Mulgrave in another. Had I time I would give a very minute account of the whole, but as I have very little, I will only say what I feel I wish particularly to name. I went first to the Robing-room, but as there were so many people there I went to a Dressing-room where I put on the Robe which is enormously heavy. After this I entered the House of Lords preceded by all the Officers of State and Lord Melbourne bearing the Sword of State walking just before me. He stood quite close to me on the left-hand of the Throne, and I feel always a satisfaction to have him near me on such occasions, as he is such an honest, good, kind-hearted man and is my friend, I know it. The Lord Chancellor stood on my left. The house was very full and I felt somewhat (but very little) nervous before I read my speech, but it did very well, and I was happy to hear people were satisfied. I then unrobed in the Library and came home as I went, at 20 minutes p. 3....

Wednesday, 19th July.—Got up at ½ p. 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Saw Sir F. Watson, Col. Cavendish, and Stockmar. At 20 minutes p. 11 came Lord Melbourne till a ¼ p. 12. Talked over many things. Dressed. At a ¼ p. 1 I went with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Portman in my carriage, to St. James’s. I received two addresses on the Throne and read answers to them. After that Col. Buckley[323] and Col. Wemyss kissed hands on being appointed Equerries, as also the Hon. William Cowper (nephew to Lord Melbourne) as Groom in Waiting. Also many others. I gave audiences to various foreign Ambassadors, amongst which were Count Orloff,[324] sent by the Emperor of Russia to compliment me. He presented me with a letter from the Empress of Russia accompanied by the Order of St. Catherine all set in diamonds. (I, of course, as I generally do every evening, wore the Garter.) The Levee began immediately after this and lasted till ½ p. 4 without one minute’s interruption. I had my hand kissed nearly 3000 times! I then held a Council, at which were present almost all the Ministers. After this I saw Lord Melbourne for a little while, and then Lord Palmerston....

Wednesday, 2nd August.— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa with the pretty amiable little Countess C. Pozzo di Borgo and Lady Salisbury,[325] and Count Pozzo di Borgo and Prince Auersperg[326] sat near us. Prince Auersperg is a very nice, good-looking young man, very quiet, good-humoured and retiring. Lady Seymour is certainly exceedingly beautiful; she has not the splendid eyes and fine expression of her sister Mrs. Norton, but altogether she is handsomest, and there is a sweetness and gentleness about her which neither Mrs. Norton nor Mrs. Blackwood have.[327] Stayed up till ½ p. 10....

Wednesday, 9th August.—Got up at a little after 8 and breakfasted at ½ p. 9. Saw Sir Frederic Watson and Col. Buckley. Began a letter to dear Uncle Leopold. Saw Stockmar. Finished my letter to Uncle Leopold and wrote my journal. At 7 minutes to 12 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till a ¼ to 2. Talked over many serious subjects. I’m somewhat anxious about the Elections but I trust in Heaven that we shall have a Majority for us, and that the present Government may remain firm for long. Lord Melbourne spoke so candidly, so disinterestedly, and so calmly about all this. Wrote my journal. Drew. At 3 came the Queen Adelaide’s sister, Ida, Duchess of Saxe-Weimar,[328] with 3 of her children. Her 2nd son, Edward, 14 years old, who was born here[329] and consequently is my subject, and her little girls, Anna and Amalie, 9 and 7 years old. Edward is a very nice boy. I stayed some time with them and then went down and drew in my room while Mamma took them into the garden....

Tuesday, 15th August.—Got up at ½ p. 8, and breakfasted in my own room at a ¼ to 10. Put on my habit and went with dear Lehzen, Miss Cavendish,[330] Lord Albemarle, Col. Cavendish, Col. Buckley and Stockmar, to the Mews, which are in the garden. The Riding-house is very large. Sir George Quentin and Mr. Fozard (who has a situation in my Stables) &c., were there. I had not ridden for 2 years! I first rode a bay horse, a delightful one called Ottoman, and cantered about a good while. I then tried for a minute another horse which I did not like so well. I then remounted Ottoman. After him I mounted a beautiful and very powerful but delightful grey horse, a Hanoverian, called Fearon. Miss Cavendish rode also the whole time; she rides very nicely. Came home at 20 minutes to 12. Mamma came into the School when I had been riding a little while....

Wednesday, 16th August.—Got up at ½ p. 8, and breakfasted before 10 in my own room. At ½ p. 10 I went to the Riding House with Mamma, Miss Cocks,[331] Miss Cavendish, dearest Lehzen, Col. Cavendish, and Col. Buckley. I rode 1st a horse called Rosa (not my poor little Rosa), then Monarch, rather a nice horse, then Emma, not a bad horse, then Fearon, my favourite, and lastly Emperor, a very nice chestnut horse. Mamma and my Maids of Honour also rode. Came home at 12. At 7 minutes past 1 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till a ¼ to 3....

Windsor Castle, Tuesday, 22nd August.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10. Saw Col. Buckley. Wrote to the Grand Duchess of Oldenbourg.[332] Arranged various things. At 20 minutes to 12 came my kind, good friend Lord Melbourne and stayed till ½ p. 1. I am quite sorry to think I shall not see him till next Monday, when he comes down to me at Windsor, for I am so fond of him, and his conversations do me much good; he is such a thoroughly straightforward, disinterested, excellent and kindhearted man. He goes down to Brocket Hall tonight with his sister Lady Cowper, Lady Fanny, and Mr. Cowper (my Groom), and the younger brother, Spencer Cowper. I hope the country air and rest will do him good. Saw Sir H. Wheatley, and Stockmar. Wrote my journal. Saw Sir F. Wetherall,[333] and Prince Ernest of Hesse P.B.[334] At ½ p. 2 I went with Mamma, Lady Charlotte Copley, and Lady Flora in my carriage; dear Lehzen, Miss Cocks, Miss Cavendish, and Col. Buckley going in the other, to Windsor Castle, where I arrived at ½ p. 5. I had escort of Lancers. All along the road the people were very loyal and civil, and my poor native place, Kensington, particularly so. When we reached the Long Walk at Windsor a larger escort of the 1st Life Guards met me; the Walk was thronged with people, where a dinner was given to them in honour of my arrival. The people were remarkably friendly and civil. Unfortunately it began to rain before we reached the Long Walk. Windsor looked somewhat gloomy and I cannot help feeling as though I was not the Mistress of the House and as if I was to see the poor King and Queen. There is sadness about the whole which I must say I feel. Lady Tavistock, who is in waiting for 4 weeks, Lord Conyngham, and the Lord Steward received me at the door. I inhabit the Queen’s rooms, though not in the same way as she did. At ½ p. 7 we dined....

Saturday, 26th August.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at 10 we breakfasted with all the Ladies including Lady Charlemont and Lady Barham. To-day is my dearest cousin Albert’s 18th birthday, and I pray Heaven to pour its choicest blessings on his beloved head! Took leave of Lady Barham as both she and he go away....

Sunday, 27th August.— ... At ½ p. 2 we all went into the drawing-room and received the King of Würtemburg[335] who came to take leave. He was accompanied by Count Mandelsloh, Baron Spitzemberg, and General Fleischmann. He took luncheon with us and the whole party including Lord Glenelg, whom I asked to stay another night. By some mistake Lord Tavistock did not come to luncheon. I sat between the King and Count Mandelsloh. After luncheon I showed the King the State Rooms &c. and at 4 he took leave and went away. He leaves England on Tuesday and is much pleased with what he has seen....

Monday, 28th August.— ... I hope Lord Melbourne will stay here for some days. At 4 I rode out with Mamma, Lady Charlotte Copley, Lady Mary Stopford (who got into the carriage and drove), Miss Cavendish, Miss Cocks, Lord Melbourne, Lord Conyngham, Lord Torrington,[336] Col. Cavendish, Col. Buckley, and Mr. Rich. As Sir George Quentin and Mr. Fozard always ride out with us, I shall not mention them any more. Lady Tavistock and Lehzen followed in a pony carriage. I rode Duchess, a nice bay horse, but rather too quiet and not near so pleasant as Monarch. Mamma rode Barbara. Lord Melbourne rode his own horse, a very fine black mare which came down from London this day. It was a very pleasant ride and we came home at a ¼ p. 6.... Tuesday, 29th August.—Got up at ½ p. 8 and at ½ p. 9 we breakfasted with all the ladies. Wrote my journal. At ½ p. 11 or rather at a ¼ to 12 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till a ¼ to 2. At 3 I walked over the House with Mamma and most of the ladies, and Lord Conyngham, Col. Buckley, Col. Cavendish, &c. The offices are not good. We then walked a little while on the Terrace. Played on the piano or rather more sang with Mamma. At 7 o’clock arrived my dearest most beloved Uncle Leopold and my dearest most beloved Aunt Louise. They are both, and look both, very well; dearest Aunt Louise is looking so well and is grown quite fat. I and Mamma as well as my whole court were all at the door to receive them. It is an inexpressible happiness and joy to me, to have these dearest beloved relations with me and in my own house. I took them to their rooms, and then hastened to dress for dinner. At 8 we dined.... Dearest Aunt Louise went in first with Lord Lansdowne, then I with dear Uncle, and Mamma with M. Van de Weyer. I sat between dear Uncle and my good Lord Melbourne; two delightful neighbours. Dear Aunt Louise sat opposite. After dinner I sat on the sofa with dearest Aunt Louise, who is really an angel, and Lord Melbourne sat near me. Uncle talked with Lord Palmerston. It was a most delightful evening....

Friday, 1st September.— ... I rode Monarch who went delightfully, and Aunt Louise and Mamma the same horses as the preceding day. The weather looked lowering when we went out. When we were about the middle of Queen Anne’s Walk, there came a most unexpected and violent flash of lightning which was followed instantaneously by a tremendous clap of thunder. My horse jumped a little, but very little, but Aunt Louise’s being very much alarmed by the thunder, ran away, full gallop, to our great horror, and poor dear Aunt lost her hat; thank God! the horse stopped after 100 yards at the foot of a hill and was led back. We had meanwhile got into a close carriage with the three ladies, and dear Aunt Louise who was not the least frightened but only “quite ashamed” as she said, also got in, and we drove home (all six) in a tremendous thunderstorm and deluge of rain. We reached home in perfect safety at 5 o’clock....

Friday, 8th September.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at a little before 10 I breakfasted with dearest Uncle Leopold, dearest Aunt Louise, Mamma and the Duke of Sussex. Talked with Uncle Leopold for some time. How I wish I had time to take minutes of the very interesting and highly important conversations I have with my Uncle and with Lord Melbourne; the sound observations they make, and the impartial advice they give me would make a most interesting book. At 11 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 20 minutes to 1. He is a most excellent, kindhearted, honest and upright man, and my beloved Uncle is delighted with him, which makes me very happy, as I am so fond of Lord Melbourne, and he has been and is such a kind friend to me. Uncle and he perfectly agree in Politics too, which are the best there are. Lord Melbourne goes to town, I’m sorry to say, today, but will be back here tomorrow. Saw dearest Uncle Leopold. Talked with him. Signed. Wrote my journal....

Tuesday, 12th September.— ... After dinner I sat part of the evening on the sofa with Lady Tavistock, dearest Uncle Leopold and Lord Melbourne sitting near me; they talked very interestingly together. The rest of the evening I sat on the sofa with dearest Aunt Louise, who played a game at chess with me, to teach me, and Lord Melbourne sat near me. Lord Tavistock, Lord Palmerston, Mrs. Cavendish, Sir J. Hobhouse and Mme. de Mérode,[337] sat round the table. Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Sir J. Hobhouse, and later too Lord Conyngham, all gave me advice, and all different advice, about my playing at chess, and all got so eager that it was very amusing; in particular Lord Palmerston and Sir J. Hobhouse,[338] who differed totally and got quite excited and serious about it. Between them all, I got quite beat, and Aunt Louise triumphed over my Council of Ministers!...

Monday, 18th September.— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa part of the evening with Lady Tavistock, Lord Melbourne sitting near me, and the rest with my dearest Aunt Louise, with whom I played a game at chess, and beat her; Lord Palmerston, Lord Melbourne, and Lord Conyngham sat near me advising me. At 11, our last happy evening broke up, and Aunt Louise took leave in the kindest way imaginable of the whole party except my gentlemen; and good Lord Melbourne was touched to tears by this leave-taking. I cannot say how I shall miss my dearest Aunt Louise; she combines with great cleverness and learning, so much merriment, and has all the liveliness and fun of a girl of 16, with all the sense and deep thought of one of 30 and much older even. And I think she is so lovely, so graceful, she has such an angelic expression in her clear eyes; and she dresses so well, morning and evening. And then my beloved Uncle whom I look up to and love as a father, how I shall miss his protection out riding, and his conversation!...

Thursday, 28th September.—Got up at ½ p. 8 and breakfasted with Mamma at a ¼ to 10. Wrote to the Duchess of Gloucester. Saw Sir Jeffrey Wyattville.[339] Wrote to the Queen and my journal. At 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 10 m. p. 1. Dressed, in a habit of dark blue with red collar and cuffs (the Windsor Uniform which all my gentlemen wear), a military cap, and my Order of the Garter, as I was going to review the Troops. At 2 I mounted Leopold, who was very handsomely harnessed; all the gentlemen were in uniform, that is to say Lord Hill, Lord Alfred Paget[340] (who looked remarkably handsome in his uniform of the Blues), Prince Lichtenstein,[341] Baron Reisehach, &c., and my other gentlemen wore the Windsor uniform with cocked hats. Mamma and Miss Cavendish rode, as did also my pretty little page, George Cavendish, who looked so pretty in his uniform, mounted on a little pony all harnessed like a large horse. Lord Palmerston also rode. All the other ladies and gentlemen, including Lord Melbourne, drove in carriages after us. The Lancers escorted us. When we came upon the ground, which is in the Home Park, I rode up with the whole party to where a Sergeant was stationed with the colours, and there stopped, and the regiments saluted me. I saluted them by putting my hand to my cap like the officers do, and was much admired for my manner of doing so. I then cantered up to the Lines with all the gentlemen and rode along them. Leopold behaved most beautifully, so quietly, the Bands really playing in his face. I then cantered back to my first position and there remained while the Troops marched by in slow and quick time, and when they manœuvred, which they did beautifully. The Troops consisted of the 1st Regiment of Life Guards who are beautiful, of the Grenadier Guards, and of some of the Lancers. They fired and skirmished a good deal, and near us, and Leopold never moved. The whole went off beautifully; and I felt for the first time like a man, as if I could fight myself at the head of my Troops. We rode back to the Castle at ½ p. 4, and I mounted Barbara and rode out with Mamma, Prince Lichtenstein, Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Baron Reisehach, Lord Torrington, Lord Alfred Paget, Miss Cavendish, Lady Mary, Mr. Murray and Miss Murray, and came home at 7 m. to 6. Lord Melbourne rode near me.

Friday, 29th September.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10 with Mamma. Wrote to dear Ferdinand and to the good Queen of Portugal while my hair was doing before breakfast. Wrote to dearest Aunt Louise and my journal. At 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till ½ p. 1. He read to me a Paper about the Civil List, and explained it to me, and so clearly and well he explained it; he reads very well too, so distinctly and with so much good emphasis....

Saturday, 30th September.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10 with Mamma. Saw Lord Albemarle. Wrote my journal. At a ¼ p. 11 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till a ¼ to 12. At a ¼ to 12 came the Queen with her sister the Duchess of Saxe-Weimar and stayed with me till 1 o’clock. The poor Queen was very much composed, though it must have been a very painful and severe trial for her, considering she had not been here since she left the Castle, the night after the poor King’s funeral. I showed her all my rooms with which she was much pleased; and she went by herself to see the room where the King died. I sang a little and Mamma also, while they were there....

Tuesday, 3rd October.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at a ¼ p. 10 I breakfasted with Mamma. Wrote to dearest Uncle Leopold and my journal. Saw Sir H. Wheatley. At ½ p. 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 5 m. to 2. He read to me some Despatches from Canada which are not very satisfactory. Saw Princess Augusta. At ½ p. 3 I rode out with Mamma, Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lady Mary, Lord Torrington, Mr. Murray, Mr. Brand, Col., Mrs. and Miss Cavendish, and Miss Murray, and came home at 6. We rode all round Virginia Water, a beautiful ride, and cantered almost the whole way home. It was the hottest summer evening that can be imagined, not a breath of air, and hotter coming home than going out. Alas! it was our last ride here! I am very sorry indeed to go! I passed such a very pleasant time here; the pleasantest summer I ever passed in my life, and I shall never forget this first summer of my Reign. I have had the great happiness of having my beloved Uncle and Aunt here with me, I have had very pleasant people and kind friends staying with me, and I have had delicious rides which have done me a world of good. Lord Melbourne rode near me the whole time. The more I see of him and the more I know of him, the more I like and appreciate his fine and honest character. I have seen a great deal of him, every day, these last 5 weeks, and I have always found him in good humour, kind, good, and most agreeable; I have seen him in my Closet for Political Affairs, I have ridden out with him (every day), I have sat near him constantly at and after dinner, and talked about all sorts of things, and have always found him a kind and most excellent and very agreeable man. I am very fond of him. Wrote my journal....

Brighton, Wednesday, 4th October.—... I constantly regret I cannot write down many of the pleasant and instructive conversations I have with clever people, such as Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lord Holland, &c., &c. And many of the Foreign Despatches which I read, in particular some of the Private letters of the Ambassadors and Ministers to Lord Palmerston, are so interesting and well written that I wish I could note them down. I read one of Mr. Villiers’[342] from Madrid to-day, which is remarkably well written....

Tuesday, 24th October.—Got up at 25 m. p. 8 and breakfasted at a ¼ to 10 with Mamma, having signed &c. before breakfast. Wrote my journal &c. At 3 m. to 11 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till ½ p. 12. Talked over many things and gave him a letter I had received this morning from Uncle Leopold, to read; he took it with him. Sat to Sir David Wilkie. Before I left the painting room, I sent for Lord Melbourne to see the Picture, with which he was much pleased. It is to be my First Council,[343] and a great many Portraits will be introduced into the picture; Lord Melbourne will be painted standing near me. Wrote my journal....

Sunday, 29th October.— ... At a little after 3 I tried to drive out with Lady Mulgrave, Lady Gardiner and Miss Paget[344] following, but we were obliged to come home again almost directly as it rained the whole time. It is really most provoking weather. Finished my letter to Feodore, and wrote one to my Cousin Marie.[345] Saw Stockmar for one instant. At 7 we dined....

Wednesday, 1st November.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10 with Mamma. Received before breakfast a letter from Ferdinand and one from Mary with a very pretty little ring in it. At ½ p. 10 my excellent, kind friend Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 12. Talked over many things; and talked over some disagreeable business about which Lord Melbourne is very kind (as he is about everything, for he is the best-hearted, kindest and most feeling man in the world) and very anxious. Showed him dear Ferdinand’s letter. Poor Ferdinand’s position and the unfortunate state of Portuguese affairs distress him much; he takes everything so much to heart, which is generally not the case with a Statesman. I observed to Lord Melbourne that there were not many very good preachers to be found; he replied in the affirmative and added, “But there are not many very good anything,” which is very true.... I then took leave of him, told him I was very sorry he went, to which he replied he was also very sorry. I shall see him again however on Saturday when I go to town. I am very sorry to lose his agreeable company (as I always like to have those who are kind to me, and my friends, with me) these last days here. And I am very sorry to think that the summer and autumn (the pleasantest I ever passed) are over! How time flies when pleasantly spent!! Lord Melbourne also was much better for this quiet life and liked it too. He is a great friend of Lehzen’s which makes me more fond of him still. I always saw Lord Melbourne in my little sitting-room; I being seated on a sofa, and he in an armchair near or close opposite me; the other ministers and visitors I saw in another little room just the same size as this one, where Lehzen always sits; it is close to the other, one little room only being between the two....

Buckingham Palace, Saturday, 4th November.—Got up at ½ p. 7. Wrote my journal while my hair was doing. Received a few lines from Lord Melbourne. At 9 I breakfasted with Mama. Saw Stockmar. At 10 minutes to 10 I left Brighton with Mama and Lady Mulgrave; Miss Dillon, Lady Mary Stopford, dearest Lehzen and Col. Cavendish following in another carriage. Lady Gardiner went in her own carriage. I took leave of Miss Paget before I went; both her and Miss Dillon’s waitings were out on Thursday, but I did not wish to give the other Maids of Honour the trouble of coming down only for two days and then going back again. Miss Paget is a very good, quiet, nice, unaffected girl. We changed horses first at Hickstead, 2ndly at Crawley, 3rdly at Redhill, and lastly at Croydon, and reached Buckingham Palace at 3. It is a journey of 52 miles.... I have changed my rooms, that is to say, I sit in my dressing-room, and make it both my sitting and dressing-room, which is much more comfortable and cheerful than the other rooms on the other side; and I shall see all my Ministers &c. in the former breakfast room,[346] next my dressing-room, which is now very prettily furnished and looks very nice and cheerful. Lehzen’s little sitting-room is next this room. At a few m. p. 4 came my good Lord Melbourne, whom I was happy to see well and in good spirits, though a little tired with the deal he has to do; he stayed with me till 10 m. p. 5, and we talked over various important things. I, of course, saw him in the new Ministerial Room....

Thursday, 9th November.—Got up at ½ p. 9 and breakfasted by myself in my room at ½ p. 10. Played on the piano and sang. Wrote my journal. Dressed for the Lord Mayor’s dinner, in all my finery. At 2 I went in the state carriage and 8 horses with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle; all my suite, the Royal Family, &c., went before me. I reached the Guildhall at a little before 4. Throughout my progress to the city, I met with the most gratifying, affectionate, hearty and brilliant reception from the greatest concourse of people I ever witnessed; the streets being immensely crowded as were also the windows, houses, churches, balconies, every where. I was then conducted by the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress preceding me, and my whole suite following me,—to a private drawing-room, where I found Mamma, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Augusta, and all their Ladies. All my Ladies came in there. After waiting some little time, I sent for Lord Melbourne and Lord John Russell, to ask them some questions, and they came in for a minute or two, and then went away. After waiting a little longer, I was conducted by Lord Conyngham in the same way as before, the Royal Family and my Ladies &c. following, to the Council Room, where were the Dukes of Sussex and Cambridge and George,—all my Ministers, all the Foreign Ambassadors and Ministers &c., &c., the Lord Mayor, all the Aldermen, the Lady Mayoress and all the Aldermen’s wives. I was seated in a large arm-chair, all the others standing. The Recorder then read an Address, to which I read an answer; when the Lord Mayor was presented I said to Lord John Russell (what I had previously been told to do), “I desire you to take proper measures for conferring the dignity of Baronet on the Lord Mayor.” I then knighted the Sheriffs, one of whom was Mr. Montefiore, a Jew, an excellent man[347]; and I was very glad that I was the first to do what I think quite right, as it should be. The Lady Mayoress and all the Aldermen’s wives were then presented. After this we returned, as before, to the Private Drawing room and remained there till a ¼ p. 5 when we went to dinner.... I drank a glass of wine with the Lord Mayor (John Cowan) and the late Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor is a quiet little old man of 70 (they say). When my health was given out, there was great cheering and applause. I left dinner in the same way I came in at about ½ p. 7; and we went as before into the Private Drawing room and waited there till the carriages were ready. All the Royal Family went away before me. I went at ½ p. 8 in a usual carriage (not a state carriage) with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle as before. We came back just in the same way as we went, only that each carriage had only a pair of horses, and there were no people on foot walking by the carriage. The crowd was, if possible, greater than it had been when I went in the day; and they cheered me excessively as I came along. The streets were beautifully illuminated on all sides, and looked very brilliant and gay. I got home by 20 m. to 10, and quite safely; I trust there have been no accidents. I cannot say how gratified, and how touched I am by the very brilliant, affectionate, cordial, enthusiastic and unanimous reception I met with in this the greatest Metropolis in the World; there was not a discontented look, not a sign of displeasure—all loyalty, affection and loud greeting from the immense multitude I passed through; and no disorder whatever. I feel deeply grateful for this display of affection and unfeigned loyalty and attachment from my good people. It is much more than I deserve, and I shall do my utmost to render myself worthy of all this love and affection. I had a very bad headache in the morning, but it went off during all the ceremonies; it was somewhat bad when I came home, but I went to bed immediately after I had signed a few papers....

Sunday, 12th November.— ... Saw Stockmar. Walked. Signed. Wrote my journal. Read Despatches. At a little after 7 we dined. Our whole party made only 12 in number, which were, us 10 (for Miss Davys and Col. Cavendish had gone home and Lady Mary was ill), Lord Melbourne and Mr. Cowper. Lord Melbourne led me in and I sat between him and Mr. Cowper. I was happy to see Lord Melbourne in very good spirits; he was very amusing about Theatricals and has peculiar tastes of his own about actors. He has such an honest, blunt, and amusing manner of coming out with his remarks and observations. After dinner I sat on the sofa with Mamma, and Lord Melbourne sat near me the whole evening. Mr. Cowper (who, as usual, was very amusing), and Lady Mulgrave sat near the table. Lord Melbourne does not, I think, look quite as well as he used to do when at Windsor and Brighton; he looks paler and tired often; and he says he feels the want of exercise. I fear since I have come to the throne he has still more to do than he had before; but he is always ready to assist me in every way, and will not admit that I trouble him. Stayed up till 11. It was a very pleasant evening.

Monday, 13th November.— ... I do not mention when I get communications from Lord Melbourne and when I write to him, for that occurs every day and generally 2 or 3 times a day, so that it would take up too much time; I also receive communications from all the other Ministers; the one with whom I communicate oftenest after Lord Melbourne is Lord Palmerston....

Thursday, 16th November.— ... At a ¼ p. 2 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 12 m. p. 3. He read me the Speech again, as it is settled to be now; and became touched to tears in reading the concluding part which alludes to my youth and reliance on the Loyalty of my People—kind, excellent, good man. Talked over various things....

Friday, 17th November.— ... After dinner I went at ½ p. 6 with all the dinner party, except Lehzen (who again went with Mr. Rich to the play in a box opposite), Miss Davys (who did not go), and Lord Alfred Paget (who was on the escort and rode by the carriage), to the play to Covent Garden, the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle going with me in the carriage. I met with the same brilliant reception, the house being so full that there was a great piece of work for want of room, and many people had to be pulled out of the Pit by their wrists and arms into the Dress Circle. I never saw such an exhibition; it was the oddest thing I ever saw. My Ladies took it by turns, (their standing behind me, I mean). Mamma sat near me, and Lady Mary stood behind her. The performances were the fine but dreadful tragedy of Werner by Lord Byron, and the 1st act of Fra Diavolo....

Monday, 20th November.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted by myself at a ¼ p. 10. Played on the piano. Saw Mr. Spring Rice. Dressed for going to the House of Lords, exactly in the same costume as last July. When I was dressed I saw the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Augusta[348] and little Mary.[349] At ½ p. 1 I went in the State Carriage with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle; Lady Lansdowne, Lady Barham, and all my gentlemen (except Lord Conyngham who went as a Peer and not in my suite), and 3 Pages, going in 6 other carriages, to the House of Lords to open Parliament. I arrived there at 2, and was conducted to the Library—all the Great Officers of State, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord President, the Lord Privy Seal, preceding me—Lord Melbourne walking quite close before me bearing the sword of state. I robed in the Library, all the above-mentioned people, my ladies and gentlemen, being there, and then proceeded into the House of Lords—the manner of going in being the same as before—and seated myself on the Throne; Lord Melbourne standing quite close to me on my left; I feel a satisfaction in having this excellent man near me on such important public occasions. I read the Declaration about Transubstantiation, or rather repeated it after the Chancellor—the Commons having been summoned to the Bar. After this I read the Speech (which I think an excellent one) and which people were pleased to say I read well. The House was very full. I then returned to the Library and unrobed. Good, kind Melbourne was quite touched to tears after I read the Speech. I could only say a very few words to him. I came home, as I went, at a ¼ p. 3. Lehzen was at the House, which I am very glad of, and she was pleased with my manner.... The Duke of Sussex was the mover of the Address in the House of Lords, and made a very able and judicious speech, Lord Melbourne wrote me word. I got Lord Melbourne’s despatch while I was at dinner, and I left the table for a minute to read it. Lord Melbourne likewise informed me that “the Address was voted without a dissentient voice”; and that the Duke of Wellington spoke fairly; adhering to his declaration of last Session, and saying that the manner in which the Measures for Ireland were mentioned in the Speech would facilitate his intention to support Ministers in their measures. None of the Ministers spoke. I hail this bright and unanimous beginning as an auspicious augury of the coming Session and I trust that all will do well....

Friday, 24th November.— ... Saw Lord Conyngham and Edwin Landseer, who brought a beautiful little sketch which he has done this morning, of a picture he is to paint for me of Hector and Dash. He is an unassuming, pleasing and very young-looking man, with fair hair. At 1 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till a ¼ to 2. Talked over various things....

Tuesday, 28th November.— ... At 20 m. to 1 came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till 2. I was glad to see him looking well and in high spirits. He said it was “a very good debate” in the House of Lords; that the Duke of Wellington had been somewhat eager but had been put down. The House sat till p. 11, and Lord Melbourne only got his dinner then. I showed him Lord John’s account of the Debate in the H. of Commons. He said there was a good deal in this large majority as the Opposition had made rather a point of it to carry it. Lord Melbourne was quite touched in saying this, as he knows how anxious I am the Government should be firm for the peace of the Country and for my own peace and happiness; as also when he spoke of the readiness with which the Civil List would be voted. He is so kind to me; I have the greatest confidence in him. He is so truly excellent. I cannot say how happy I am at this good beginning! Lord Melbourne even said, everything went much better than they expected. I trust most fervently that all will continue thus well....

Wednesday, 29th November.— ... At 20 m. p. 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 2. He told me there had been a very short debate upon the Duke of Newcastle’s[350] bringing in a Bill for the Repeal of the Catholic Emancipation Act (a most absurd idea). He (the Duke of Newcastle) was only supported by Lord Lorton[351] and Lord Winchilsea. Lord Melbourne and Lord Brougham spoke. I read the speech of the former (Lord Melbourne) in the papers; it is, as all his speeches and sayings are, remarkably judicious and clever.... At ½ p. 7 we dined.... I sat between the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis Conyngham. The former I thought looking very old, and silent and out of spirits. I think he does not feel à son aise dans sa position; he fears to displease his friends and does not wish to oppose the Ministry violently.... I sat on the sofa with Lady Mulgrave and Lady Barham; Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope[352] and Lady Caroline Strangways[353] sitting near me. Lady Wilhelmina is not so handsome as she was; she is not to be compared, in my opinion, to Lady Fanny Cowper, whose great charm, besides her lovely face, fine complexion and beautiful figure is her great quietness, and unaffected manners, and unconsciousness of her beauty. Lady Wilhelmina is nevertheless an agreeable, clever girl....

Monday, 4th December.—Got up at ½ p. 9.... At about 10 m. to 1 came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till 2. Talked about many things, and amongst others about the Pensions which give so much trouble. Lord Melbourne said he thought it “quite an abomination to meddle with the pensions” which people now had; that upon the whole, hereafter, he was rather against giving pensions, for he said, “if people know that you have the power to grant them, they apply without end, and it is very difficult to refuse”; “it requires,” he added, “nerves of iron to refuse,” and “if you have none to give away, why there is an end of it.” I think this is all very true....

Wednesday, 6th December.—At 1 came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till a ¼ p. 2. He told me that there was a good deal of speaking in the House of Lords yesterday, upon the 2nd reading of the Imprisonment for Debt Bill, and that they sat till 10 o’clock. The bill, though opposed in detail, by some, was read a 2nd time, and was referred to a Committee. In the House of Commons, the Municipal Corporation Bill for Ireland was introduced without opposition. There was some debate upon an affair of the dismissal of a Col. Verner in Ireland (which was done, as Lord Melbourne told me at Windsor, against his (Lord M.’s) wish, and which he still dislikes, but which cannot be helped now), on account of a toast he gave at a public dinner. Lord Morpeth quite put him (Col. Verner) down, by “a triumphant speech,” as Lord John wrote me word; I always shew these reports of Lord John to Lord Melbourne.... Lord Melbourne led me in, and I sat between him and Lord Canning, who is exceedingly shy. Lord Melbourne was in good spirits and we talked a good deal upon various subjects; I made him laugh very much by telling him what the Duchess of Sutherland told me he had told her about Lord Brougham’s speech on education, which was: “That it was tiresome to hear, tiresome to educate, and tiresome to be educated.” He said, “I think it is very true....”

Thursday, 7th December.—Went into the Drawing room where Mr. Landseer showed me two most beautiful pictures, done by himself, one large, the other small, which he had brought for me to see; the figures and animals are all most beautifully painted and grouped; and most exquisitely finished, so that I looked at them through a magnifying glass; I never saw anything so exquisite in every way. He also showed me a sketch in oils (small) of Lord Melbourne which is like, but too fat, and though flattered is not in my opinion half pleasing enough. It is very well done; he also showed me a sketch of Mrs. Lister done in one sitting, and exceedingly pretty. He had only had two sittings of Lord Melbourne. He certainly is the cleverest artist there is. Sat to Mr. Hayter for a long while. Showed him some of my drawings which he praised and told me where they were in fault. Drew. Tried to sketch little Mary Barrington while her mother amused her....

Friday, 8th December.— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa with Lady Ashley,[354] who was very agreeable and talked to me of her children &c. One of her charms is her being so natural. Lord Melbourne sat near me the whole evening. He talked to me about the play, about Joan of Arc, whom he admires, and said, “It is clearly proved that what she did is not to be attributed to any impropriety of conduct.” Many historians have chosen to blemish the character of this poor, innocent maid, who was so great. He asked me if I had ever read Barante’s History of the Princes of the House of Burgundy, in 8 vols., which gives a whole account of Joan; which I have not. M. de Barente is French Ambassador at St. Petersburg. Lord Melbourne also spoke to me of Lord Ashley, who he says is a very good man; and less eager in Politics than he was; Lord Ashley is a high Tory. He “adores” Lady Ashley, Lord Melbourne says. Lord Melbourne also told me that when I first came to the Throne, Lord Ashley “wrote to Emily” (Lady Cowper) “and said, ‘Why, it’s shocking that Lord Melbourne has only put Whig ladies about the Queen’; upon which Lady Cowper said, ‘Why, Lady Barham is not such a great Whig’; ‘Oh!’ said Ashley, ‘she is quite terrible, she is the worst of all.’” This amused me much. There is no end to the amusing anecdotes and stories Lord Melbourne tells, and he tells them all in such an amusing funny way. Spoke to me about horses; he told me his pretty black mare is rather crippled by his having travelled her about so much, and that she must get rest. Lady Ashley says that Lady Cowper dotes upon her grandchildren and would give them and let them do anything. Stayed up till 11. It was a very pleasant evening.

Saturday, 9th December.— ... I forgot to say that Lord Melbourne got a letter after dinner from Mr. Cowper (which he showed me) from the House of Commons, in which he said, “The Debate is going in our favour.” Lord Melbourne spoke to me about several of the speakers in the House of Commons; spoke of Sir E. Sugden[355] whom he says is a very clever lawyer, and said, “His father was a hair-cutter; he cut my hair very often.” This is a singular thing. Told me of an affront which the “Demagogue Hunt”[356] offered William Peel one day, in the House of Commons, on the latter’s attacking him. William Peel said something derogatory about Hunt’s extraction, upon which Hunt replied: “If my father was the first gentleman of his family, your father was the last gentleman of his family....”

Tuesday, 12th December.— ... Lord Melbourne, though looking pale, I was happy to see in very good spirits. A few minutes after we had sat down, he turned to me and said, “We have had a great set-to in the House of Lords.” He added that Lord Brougham[357] had made an unexpected opposition against the Message which Lord Melbourne read in my name the day before, pressing my increase of income for my Mother. Lord Duncannon told me that Lord Brougham had lately taken to making cutting attacks against my Ministers, and that he had most unhandsomely attacked my excellent Lord Melbourne, called him “a Courtier,” &c., &c., which, no wonder, roused Lord Melbourne’s temper, and that he returned it Lord Brougham most admirably. He always speaks well, but particularly well this time, Lord Duncannon said. I turned to Lord Melbourne and said I had heard he had spoken so well, “as you always do,” I added. But he is so modest and backward about his own extraordinary merits. He said to me, there might be a like difficulty in the H. of Commons upon this Message. Spoke to me about many other things and about boys at school, and told me a very amusing anecdote about himself. He and Lady Mulgrave were saying how imprudent it was to tell children things which they might not repeat. So he said, “When I was a boy of ten, and came home, my Mother was asking me about the boys at school, and I mentioned who were there, and amongst others the present Lord Boston.[358] My Mother said ‘Oh! every Irby is a fool,’ which is very true; so, when I went back to school, I told this, and said, ‘My Mother says every Irby is a fool.’ This was repeated, and written back to Lord Boston,[359] and created most dreadful offence.” We then spoke about Magnetism, which every body is mad about now; and I said it was very disagreeable to be magnetised, as people got to say such odd things in this magnetic state. “Why,” said Lord Melbourne, “people say odd enough things without being magnetised....” Spoke of Lord and Lady Ashley, their happiness and fondness for each other. I spoke to him of Lady C. Barrington’s[360] gratitude to me, at which his eyes filled with tears. He is the kindest, best, and tenderest hearted man I know; he is so truly excellent, and moral, and has such a strong feeling against immorality and wickedness; and he is so truly kind to me....

Friday, 22nd December.— ... Lord Melbourne spoke to me a good deal about the Privy Purse, about its expenses, the Pensions on it, &c., &c. About the Household Expenditure; about many other things concerning expenditure; about the late Kings, George 4th and William 4th’s fancies, &c., &c. His ideas about all these things are so reasonable and so excellent.... I sat between Lord Melbourne (who led me in) and Lord Palmerston. I was delighted to see Lord Melbourne in excellent spirits, and looking much better. He was very clever and funny about education, at dinner; his ideas are excellent about it, I think. He said that he thought almost every body’s character was formed by their Mother, and that if the children did not turn out well, the mothers should be punished for it. I daresay his noble, fine and excellent character was formed by his mother,[361] for she was a remarkably clever and sensible woman. He told me that the Civil List Bill was read a third time that evening, without any opposition. The news are, I grieve to say, very bad from Canada[362]; that is to say rumours and reports by the Papers, though we have no Official Reports. But Lord Melbourne hopes that it may not be so bad as it is rumoured. There certainly is open Rebellion. This makes it expedient that Parliament should meet again on the 16th January and not adjourn till the 1st Feb. as was at first intended....

Tuesday, 26th December.— ... At 3 I left Buckingham Palace (with regret, as I had passed a pleasant time there), with Mamma and Lady Mulgrave; Lady Mary, Miss Cocks, Mrs. Campbell, Col. Grey,[363] Lehzen, Miss Dillon, and Miss Davys following in 2 other carriages. We arrived at Windsor Castle at ½ p. 5. It was quite dark. The Castle looked very cheerful and comfortable, and I cannot say how much it put me in mind of last summer and of the very very happy days I spent there....

Wednesday, 27th December.— ... Besides our party of yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and the Duke of Argyll (who all stay here till Monday, 1st Jan.) dined here. The Duchess was looking so well; neither she nor the Duke have ever been staying at Windsor before and are delighted with the Castle. I sat between the Duke of Sutherland and Mr. Cowper. I talked a great deal with the latter, and a great deal about Lord Melbourne. He says that all the people who have never seen Lord Melbourne and come to have interviews with him, and those Members of the H. of Commons who dine with him and have not seen or known him before and expect to find the Prime Minister a very proud, stiff person, are quite delighted with his very kind, unaffected, merry and open, frank manner, which I think everybody must and ought to be. He told me some amusing anecdotes about him, &c., &c., and many other funny things. Lord Melbourne is very absent when in company, often, and talks to himself every now and then, loud enough to be heard but never loud enough to be understood. I am now, from habit, quite accustomed to it, but at first I turned round sometimes, thinking he was talking to me. Mr. Cowper says he does not think his uncle is aware of it; he says he is much less absent than he used to be....

H.S.H. Charles Prince of Leiningen
from a portrait by R. J. Lane