The lamentable divisions that existed in the royal family formed a topic
of common conversation, and deeply disturbed the tranquillity of His
Majesty's mind. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York took
industrious advantage of all available means to cultivate popularity out
of doors; and when it was thought advisable by Ministers, that the King
should make a procession to St. Paul's to offer up thanks for his
recovery, their Royal Highnesses seem to have entered into a sort of
rivalry with the King for the applause of the spectators. Indeed, there
was so little disguise about their personal conduct to His Majesty, that
the newspapers did not hesitate to charge them with it, and the Dukes of
York, Gloucester and Cumberland, felt it necessary to protect themselves
against the animadversions of the Press, by prosecuting the publisher of
the "Times," for accusing them of "insincerity" in their professions of
joy at the King's recovery. Some fears were entertained as to the
bearing of His Majesty on the occasion of the procession; but he passed
through it with a composure and self-control that inspired his friends
with the utmost confidence in the future. Mr. Bernard, writing to Lord
Buckingham on the 23rd of April, gives the following account of the
proceedings: