On the 2d of May, 1816, Prince Leopold obtained the rank of general in the British service, and on the 24th of the same month he was promoted to the rank of field-marshal. The colonelcy of the Fifth, or Princess Charlotte of Wales' Regiment of Dragoon Guards was conferred upon Prince Leopold in October of the same year, and he presented to the officers' mess a handsome service of plate. His Royal Highness was also honoured with the Order of the Garter, and the Order of the Bath; but in the midst of these accumulated distinctions he sustained the loss of his amiable consort, whose decease on the 6th November, 1817, occasioned the most sincere grief throughout the kingdom, and Prince Leopold was for some time inconsolable.
The events which transpired in the Netherlands in 1830, having led to the separation of several provinces from Holland, and to the formation of an independent state, called Belgium, Prince Leopold was invited to accept of the sovereignty of that kingdom in 1831, and His Royal Highness acquiesced. Thus the Fifth Dragoon Guards had the gratification of witnessing the elevation of their colonel to a throne.
On resigning the colonelcy His Royal Highness was pleased to cause the following farewell address to be sent to the regiment:—
"Claremont, 14th July, 1831.
"The Prince Leopold is desirous on quitting England, to communicate to his regiment, that the circumstances which call him to another country have made it necessary for him to relinquish the command of the corps; and he has reserved it, as one of his last and most painful duties, to bid them farewell. It would have been His Royal Highness's wish on this occasion, to have expressed personally to the regiment his regret in leaving them, and the sincere wishes he shall always entertain for their happiness and welfare; but their distant quarter, and the hurry which unavoidably attends his departure, render such a desire impracticable.
"In taking leave of the regiment, which it has been his happiness for so many years to command, many subjects press on His Royal Highness's attention that he would be anxious publicly to advert to; some of these bear paramount claim to his thankfulness and recollection; and it is such that he is chiefly solicitous to notice and record, on this last occasion of his addressing them:—he alludes particularly to the uniform maintenance of discipline, efficiency, and high character, which have marked the corps as one of the most distinguished in the service, throughout the long period he has known them;—this has been conspicuous, whether considered with respect to their efficiency in equipment,—their discipline and conduct in quarters,—or their movements and perfection in the field,—in every point, these have been eminently and invariably supported, and have established a name to the regiment, that, as it should be the first ambition, so it is among the highest rewards, a soldier can know. To Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, whose zeal and knowledge of the service have guided and perfected this state of discipline;—to the officers, who have ably and successfully devoted their efforts to uphold it;—to the non-commissioned officers and privates, who have maintained the discipline marked out to them, and, sharing the feelings of their officers in the character of the regiment, have by their conduct assisted to uphold it;—to one and all,—individually and collectively,—His Royal Highness returns his most hearty thanks, with his unqualified approbation of their conduct, under every view of discipline or exigency of service:—to such officers and to such men, it is unnecessary to say anything that can urge or stimulate their future zeal; His Royal Highness feels assured, that their Sovereign's approbation will ever remain their first aim, while the name of the regiment, deeply honoured by them and cherished in their hearts, will never cease to influence them in attaining that high distinction. His Royal Highness has always felt pride in being one of their number, and he can never cease to feel the truest interest in whatever can affect their name as a corps, or their welfare and happiness as individuals; and with his heartfelt wishes for the uninterrupted prosperity and perfection of both, he reluctantly bids them, Farewell.
(Signed) "Robert Gardiner.
"To Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace,
"Commanding Fifth Dragoon Guards."
Sir John Slade, Bart., G. C. H.
Appointed 20th July, 1831.