CHAPTER III.

PARENTAGE AND BIRTH OF QUEEN VICTORIA.

How the Princess Victoria came to be Heiress Presumptive to the Throne--Death of the Princess Charlotte--Marriages of the Royal Dukes--Of the Duke of Kent--Birth of the Princess Alexandrina Victoria--Prediction of George IV.--Death of the Duke of Kent--His Character--His Liberal Opinions--Public Condolence with the Widow and Orphan--Early Life of the Duchess of Kent 14