Chapter 6

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)