Chapter 8

1839

Murder of Lord Norbury--Holland and Belgium--Dissension in the Cabinet --The Duke of Lucca--Portugal--Ireland and the Government--England and Belgium--Prince Albert's tour in Italy--Jamaica--Change of Ministry imminent--The Queen's distress--Interviews with the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel--Lord Melbourne on Sir Robert Peel--The Household --Proposed new Cabinet--Interview with Lord Melbourne--The Ladies of the Household and Sir Robert Peel--Reply to Sir Robert Peel --Resignation of Sir Robert Peel--The Queen's journal--Cabinet minute --Whigs resume office--Ball at Buckingham Palace--Lord John Russell and Sir Robert Peel--The Queen on the crisis--King Leopold's approval --The penny postage--The Queen and Prince Albert--Syria--England and the Sultan--Proposed visit of King Louis Philippe--Preparing the Queen's speech--King Leopold's feeling for the Queen--Coming visit of Prince Albert--Arrival of Princes Ernest and Albert--The Queen's engagement to Prince Albert--Lord Melbourne's congratulations--King Leopold's satisfaction--Austria and the Porte--The Queen's happiness --Queen Louise's congratulations--The Queen's letters to the Royal Family--The Prince's religion--Announcement to the Council--Marriage treaty--Question of a peerage--English susceptibilities--Letter from Donna Maria--Household appointments--Mayor of Newport knighted--The word "Protestant"--The Prince's coat-of-arms--The Prince and Mr Anson --Appointment of Treasurer--The Prince and Lord Melbourne (pages 141-208)