The French Ministry are gone, and I am sure the poor King will be much vexed by it. They talk of Broglie as Minister for Foreign Affairs,19 but I am afraid Thiers is inevitable. We are rather in fear of Thiers here, but it is a pity that Louis Philippe should show so much dislike to a man he must take, for it will have the effect of a defeat.
I have no time to add more, but to beg you to believe me, always, your most affectionate Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 18: Daughter of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, and married in April 1840 to the Duc de Nemours.
Footnote 19: After a provisional Cabinet, in which the Duc de Montebello was Foreign Minister, the King appointed a Ministry with Soult as Premier and Foreign Minister.
Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.
DIFFICULTIES OF THE MINISTRY
22nd March 1839.
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to acquaint your Majesty that the Cabinet have decided—
1. That it is impossible to acquiesce in the vote of last night in the House of Lords.20