1837
_Sunday, 8th January._— ... The service was performed by the Dean,
who gave us likewise a sermon. The text was from the 1st Chapter of
Isaiah,—verse:—“Wash you, make you clean.” At 12 dear Lehzen and I went
out and came home at 10 minutes p. 1. It is today a week that we took
leave of our poor good friends the Gipsies, and I am quite sorry when
I pass the spot so long enlivened by their little camp, and behold it
empty and deserted, and with almost no trace to be seen of their ever
having been there. They had been there more than a month, for they
encamped there about 5 days after we arrived here and have been there
ever since until last Wednesday or Thursday. To _my_ feeling, the chief
ornament of the Portsmouth Road is gone since their departure. But this
is their life; they are happy and grateful and we have done them some
good. The place and spot may be forgotten, but the Gipsy family Cooper
will _never_ be obliterated from my memory!...
_Tuesday, 10th January._— ... At a ¼ p. 3 came M. Van de Weyer, who
arrived in London last night from Lisbon. He gave us most interesting
and most valuable information about Portugal; praised our _dearest_
Ferdinand to the skies, said he showed cleverness, firmness, and
character which no other young man of his age hardly ever showed; said
the poor Queen was totally indifferent to whatever happened, but was
extremely obedient to Ferdinand who had great power over her. He told
us much to distress us, but said that the present ministers were ready
to do anything that was right. He is a most clever, clear-sighted,
sensible little man, Van de Weyer himself. He looks much careworn and
fatigued, and _no_ wonder at it....
_Tuesday, 7th February._—Read in _Bajazet_. Read to Lehzen out of
_Polyeucte_ and finished it; it is certainly _very_ beautiful and
full of most beautiful and highminded feelings, but the end is, to my
feelings, rather unnatural. Lehzen dictated to me some passages from
_Polyeucte_....
_Thursday, 9th February._— ... Read to dear Lehzen out of the
newspapers Lord John Russell’s very able and judicious speech
on bringing in the Irish Corporation bill; and out of the Irish
History.... Read in _Bajazet_ and wrote my journal. Lehzen dictated
French to me. Played and sang. Read in Raumer’s _Königinnen_. Read
in Clive’s life[255] while my hair was doing. At 6 we dined. Read in
_Bajazet_. Sang, and Mamma also. Stayed up till 10. Read in School
Shakespeare while my hair was undoing.
_Saturday, 8th April._—At 10 came the Dean till 11. Read with him in
the N.T. and in Boswell’s _Life of Johnson_. At ½ p. 11 I went down
and sat to Mr. Lane[256] till a ¼ to 1. He showed me 4 very beautiful
coloured drawings by Chalon, 3 portraits,—Mrs. Ashley, very like;
Miss Fanny Wyndham as Contino in _Scaramuccia_, ridiculously like; and
Bellini as Figaro; the 4th is a very beautiful head and hands of Juliet
asleep after she has taken the draught. Mr. Lane likewise showed me a
very beautiful miniature of Lady Blessington[257] painted by Chalon
about 15 years ago; and a beautiful drawing of C. Kemble as Falstaff,
done by himself. He is a great friend of Kemble’s and admires him
beyond everything. He is also very intimate with Mr. Macready, and
says he is such an excellent father and husband. Charles Mathews, he
says, speaks Italian as well as he does French.... At 20 minutes p. 7
we went with dear Lehzen, Lady Theresa, Charles and Lord Ilchester &c.
to the Opera. It was my dear _I Puritani_, and they were singing the
opening Chorus when we came in. Grisi, Rubini, Lablache, and Tamburini
made their first appearance this season, and were all enthusiastically
cheered on their appearance, in particular my worthy Master and Rubini.
There is not a word of truth in what was said about Grisi, for I never
saw anything look more lovely that she did, and she sang deliciously,
as did also Rubini whose voice seems to get if possible finer each
year. It is useless to add that the singing of these 4 incomparable and
unequalled _artistes_ was, as always, perfection! with the exception
perhaps of Lablache’s being a little hoarse at times; he did not look
well and was not in his usual spirits I thought. The Quartet “Ah! te o
cara,” the Polacca, “Suoni la tromba,” and “Ella è tremante” were all
loudly encored. After the Opera was over the 4 cantanti were called out
and loudly cheered....
_Tuesday, 11th April._—Heard that poor Lady De L’Isle,[258] the King’s
eldest daughter, had expired at 10 o’clock the night before. On the
death of old Mrs. Strode last February, the King made Lady De L’Isle
housekeeper of Kensington Palace; and she arrived here about 2 or 3
days after we came from Claremont, was confined with a daughter about a
month ago, and was going on very well, when she was taken so alarmingly
ill, I think on Sunday. It is very awful and very dreadful for her 4
poor children.
After 9 we breakfasted. At a little before 10 came the Dean till 12
minutes to 11. Read with him in the N.T. and in Hume. At 11 came my
good Lablache and stayed till 6 minutes to 12. He was as good-humoured,
kind, ready, and gentlemanlike as ever; there never is any difference
in his manners or ways, may he be ill, well, tired or not tired, he is
always in the same ready good-humour. He is perhaps a little greyer,
_mais voilà tout_. He was in splendid voice and sang beautifully. It
was quite a delight for me to hear his fine and unique voice again and
to sing with him; it is such a support to my voice and he accompanies
so agreeably. I sang first with him the favourite duo of mine: “Voglio
dire,” from _L’Elisire d’Amore_; then “Una furtiva lagrima,” a pretty
little Aria from the same opera, which I repeated and which Catone
used to sing so nicely, as also “Quanto è bella quanto è cara” from
_L’Elisir_, which I also sung. After this Lablache sang with Mamma and
me “Se il fratel stringere” from _Belisario_, which he _had never seen_
or even _heard_ before!...
_Thursday, 20th April._—I got up at 8. Read in the _Exposition_ while
my hair was doing. After 9 we breakfasted. Played and sang; practised
for Lablache. Drew. At 20 minutes to 2 we went to the Drawing Room with
dear Lehzen, Lady Mary Stopford,[259] Sir George Anson &c. The poor
Queen not being well, the King held the Drawing-room, and (strange to
say) Princess Augusta represented her. There were several young ladies
presented, amongst whom were Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope (daughter to
the Earl and Countess Stanhope),[260] a beautiful girl; Lady Fanny
Cowper[261] (daughter to the Earl and Countess Cowper), also pretty;
Lady Mary Grimston,[262] Miss Louisa Percy,[263] Miss Wynn (niece to
the Duchess of Northumberland), Victoire Conroy, &c. The poor Duchess
of Northumberland was unable to attend me, having a bad cold. We came
home at 20 minutes p. 3....
_Friday, 19th May._—Got up at 8. Wrote the _brouillon_ of a French
letter to dearest Aunt Louise while my hair was doing. After 9 we
breakfasted. The children played in the room. At 10 Mary,[264] Lehzen,
I and the children went out walking and came home at 10 minutes to 11.
Wrote my letter to dearest Aunt Louise. At ½ p. 11 came M. Guazzaroni
till 12. Received a letter from _the King_ by Lord Conyngham....
Read in W. Scott’s Life. Received an address from the Mayor and City of
Lincoln, which was presented by Colonel Sibthorp[265] and Mr. Edward
Lytton Bulwer,[266] the two Members. I was attended by my dearest
Lehzen, and Mamma by Lady Flora. Played and sung &c. Wrote my journal.
Drew. Felt very miserable and agitated. Did not go down to dinner, but
dined in my own room at 8 o’clock. Stayed up till 10.
_Saturday, 20th May._—Got up after 8. After 9 we breakfasted. The dear
children were in the room and played very merrily. Wrote a letter to
the King, which Mamma had previously written for me. At 3 minutes
past 11 came my buon Maestro Lablache, looking pale and coughing, and
complaining he was still unwell and feared he would remain so till the
weather became warmer....
[Illustration:
_Lablache
from recollection._
_P.V. del:—
Kensington
Palace Aug. 1836._
LUIGI LABLACHE.
From a sketch by Princess Victoria.]
_Wednesday, 24th May._—Today is my 18th birthday! How old! and yet
how far am I from being what I should be. I shall from this day take
the _firm_ resolution to study with renewed assiduity, to keep my
attention always well fixed on whatever I am about, and to strive to
become every day less trifling and more fit for what, if Heaven wills
it, I’m some day to be!... At ½ p. 3 we drove out with Mary and dear
Lehzen and came home at 5. The demonstrations of loyalty and affection
from all the people were highly gratifying. The parks and streets were
thronged and everything looked like a _Gala_ day. Numbers of people
put down their names and amongst others good old Lablache inscribed
his.... At ½ p. 10 we went to the ball at St. James’s with the Duchess
of Northumberland, dear Lehzen, Lady Flora and Lady Conroy &c. The King
though much better was unable of course to be there, and the Queen
neither, so that, strange to say, Princess Augusta made the _honneurs_!
I danced first with Lord Fitzalan,[267] 2ndly with Prince Nicholas
Esterhazy,[268] who is a very amiable, agreeable, gentlemanly young
man; 3rdly with the Marquis of Granby[269]; 4thly with the Marquis of
Douro[270] who is very odd and amusing; and 5thly and lastly with the
Earl of Sandwich[271] who is an agreeable young man. I wished to dance
with Count Waldstein who is such an amiable man, but he replied that
he could not dance quadrilles, and as in my station I unfortunately
cannot valse and gallop, I could not dance with him. The beauties
there were (in my opinion) the Duchess of Sutherland, Lady Frances (or
Fanny) Cowper, who is very pleasing, natural and clever-looking.... The
Courtyard and the streets were crammed when we went to the Ball, and
the anxiety of the people to see poor stupid me was very great, and I
must say I am quite touched by it, and feel proud which I always have
done of my country and of the English Nation. I forgot to say that
before we went to dinner we saw the dear children. I gave my beloved
Lehzen a small brooch of my hair.
_Friday, 26th May._— ... Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold, to
dearest Albert from whom I received a most kind and affectionate
letter for my birthday yesterday, and to Ernest Hohenlohe. Finished my
_brouillon_ of Aunt’s letter and began to write it. At 2 we went with
dear Lehzen and I received two more Addresses, one from Kidderminster
presented (not _read_) by Lord Foley[272]; the other from the Borough
of Louth by ——. First of all the Sheriffs of the City came and wished
to know when we should be pleased to receive the Address from the Mayor
and Corporation of London....
_Monday, 29th May._—At ½ p. 1 we went to the Drawing-Room with the
Duchess of Northumberland, dear Lehzen, Lady Mary Stopford, Lady
Catherine Jenkinson, Lady Flora Hastings, Lady Cust, Sir George
Anson, &c. The King and Queen being both unwell, though better, the
Drawing-room was held by the Princess Augusta!! It was an immensely
full one—2000 people, and we did not get home till a ¼ p. 5. The
handsomest people there were: the Duchess of Sutherland, Lady Fanny
Cowper, the Marchioness of Abercorn,[273] Lady Seymour,[274] Mrs.
Blackwood, &c., &c. Countess Emanuel Zichy (Miss Strachan that was)
and who was also at our Concert, was presented. Count Zichy is very
good-looking in uniform, but not in plain clothes. Count Waldstein
looks remarkably well in his pretty Hungarian uniform....
_Tuesday, 30th May._—At ½ p. 2 we went into the saloon with Mary and
Princess Sophia, I being attended by the Duchess of Northumberland
and dear Lehzen, and Mamma by all her ladies and gentlemen. The Lord
Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London presented Mamma 1st
with an Address to which she read an answer, and then me with a very
kind one. I only answered the following words, from my own accord: “I
am very thankful for your kindness and my Mother has expressed all my
feelings.” The Addresses were read by the Recorder of London (Mr. Law).
There were all together 150 who came up with the Lord Mayor....
_Sunday, 4th June._—Read in the _Exposition_ while my hair was doing.
At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. The children played in the room. Wrote a
letter to dear Feodore. Drew. At 11 we went to Chapel with dear Lehzen.
The whole service was performed by Mr. Jackson. Wrote my journal.
Wrote. Drew. At a little after 3 came my good and honest friend,
_Stockmar_,[275] and stayed with me till ½ p. 3. He had a very pleasant
and useful conversation with me; he is one of those few people who tell
plain honest truth, don’t flatter, give wholesome necessary advice, and
strive to do good and smooth all dissensions. He is Uncle Leopold’s
greatest and most confidential attached and disinterested friend, and
I hope he is the same to me, at least, I feel so towards him; Lehzen
being of course the _greatest_ friend I have....
_Thursday, 15th June._—After 9 we breakfasted. The children played
in the room. At 10 Mary, dear Lehzen and I drove out and came home
at 10 minutes to 11. _Wrote!!_ The news of the King are so very bad
that all my lessons save the Dean’s are put off, including Lablache’s,
Mrs. Anderson’s, Guazzaroni’s, &c., &c., and we see _nobody_. I regret
rather my singing-lesson, though it is only for a short period, but
duty and _proper feeling_ go before _all pleasures_.—10 minutes to
1,—I just hear that the Doctors think my poor Uncle the King cannot
last more than 48 hours! Poor man! he was always kind to me, and he
_meant_ it well I know; I am grateful for it, and shall ever remember
his kindness with gratitude. He was odd, very odd and singular, but his
intentions were often ill interpreted!—Wrote my journal. At about a ¼
p. 2 came Lord Liverpool and I had a highly important conversation with
him—_alone_....
_Friday, 16th June._— ... Began and read to Lehzen out of De Lolme, _On
the English Constitution_. I forgot to mention that Lehzen finished
reading to me on the 16th of May the delightful letters of Mme. de
Sévigné, and began on the following day _Les Mémoires de l’Impératrice
Joséphine_, par Mdlle. Le Normand, en 2 tomes, which is written in a
very affected and flourished style, but is amusing. The news of the
poor King were a shade better. At a little after 5 we drove out with
Mary and Lehzen and came home at a ¼ to 7. At ½ p. 7 we dined. Saw the
children before dinner. Sang _un poco_. Stayed up till ½ p. 10.
_Saturday, 17th June._—Read in the _Exposition_ while my hair was
doing. After 9 we breakfasted. The children played in the room. At 10
Mary, dear Lehzen, the dear children and I drove out and came home at
11. I like Mary very much; she is a very honest, warm-hearted, good
soul, and very susceptible of kindness shown to her; she is extremely
discreet and retiring too. The news of the King are worse again today.
Wrote my journal &c. Arranged some prints &c. At a little after 2 came
Baron Stockmar and stayed till near 3. The news of the poor King were
_very_ bad! Drew. At a ¼ to 5 we drove out with Mary, Lehzen and dear
little Edward, who was very funny and amusing. We came home at 6....
_Sunday, 18th June._—Got up at 8. After 9 we breakfasted. The children
played in the room. At 10 we went down to prayers with dear Lehzen.
The Dean read and preached. The text was from the 2nd Chapter of St.
John’s epistle, 5th verse. Drew and painted. Mary came up with Edward
and stayed some time. Edward also remained alone with me for a ¼ of
an hour. Painted. Saw Stockmar, who brought me a letter from Uncle
Leopold!!—Painted. The poor King, they say, can live but a few hours
more!—Wrote my journal....
_Monday, 19th June._—Got up at a ¼ p. 8. Read in _Les Veillées du
Château_ while my hair was doing. After 9 we breakfasted. The children
played in the room. At a ¼ p. 10 Mary, Lehzen, the children and I
drove out and came home at a little after 11. Read in _Les Veillées du
Château_. Wrote my journal. Saw Dr. Clark. Saw Ernest Hohenlohe who
brought me the news from Windsor that the poor King was _so_ ill that
he could hardly live through the day. He likewise brought me a very
kind message from the poor Queen, and also one from the poor old King.
After 7 we dined. Saw the children before dinner for a minute. Stayed
up till a ¼ p. 10. Read in W. Scott’s life while my hair was undoing.
_Tuesday, 20th June._—I was awoke at 6 o’clock by Mamma, who told
me that the Archbishop of Canterbury[276] and Lord Conyngham[277]
were here, and wished to see me. I got out of bed and went into my
sitting-room (only in my dressing-gown), and _alone_, and saw them.
Lord Conyngham (the Lord Chamberlain) then acquainted me that my poor
Uncle, the King, was no more, and had expired at 12 minutes p. 2 this
morning, and consequently that I am _Queen_. Lord Conyngham knelt down
and kissed my hand, at the same time delivering to me the official
announcement of the poor King’s demise. The Archbishop then told
me that the Queen was desirous that he should come and tell me the
details of the last moments of my poor, good Uncle; he said that he had
directed his mind to religion, and had died in a perfectly happy, quiet
state of mind, and was quite prepared for his death. He added that the
King’s sufferings at the last were not very great but that there was a
good deal of uneasiness. Lord Conyngham, whom I charged to express my
feelings of condolence and sorrow to the poor Queen, returned directly
to Windsor. I then went to my room and dressed.
Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall
do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young and
perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am
sure, that very few have more real good will and more real desire to do
what is fit and right than I have.
Breakfasted, during which time good faithful Stockmar[278] came and
talked to me. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold and a few words
to dear good Feodore. Received a letter from Lord Melbourne[279] in
which he said he would wait upon me at a little before 9. At 9 came
Lord Melbourne, whom I saw in my room, and of COURSE _quite_ ALONE as
I shall _always_ do all my Ministers. He kissed my hand and I then
acquainted him that it had long been my intention to retain him and the
rest of the present Ministry at the head of affairs, and that it could
not be in better hands than his. He then again kissed my hand. He then
read to me the Declaration which I was to read to the Council, which he
wrote himself and which is a very fine one. I then talked with him some
little longer time after which he left me. He was in full dress. I like
him very much and feel confidence in him. He is a very straightforward,
honest, clever and good man. I then wrote a letter to the Queen. At
about 11 Lord Melbourne came again to me and spoke to me upon various
subjects. At about ½ p. 11 I went downstairs and held a Council in
the red saloon. I went in of course quite alone, and remained seated
the whole time. My two Uncles, the Dukes of Cumberland[280] and
Sussex,[281] and Lord Melbourne conducted me. The declaration, the
various forms, the swearing in of the Privy Councillors of which there
were a great number present, and the reception of some of the Lords of
Council, previous to the Council in an adjacent room (likewise alone)
I subjoin here. I was not at all nervous and had the satisfaction of
hearing that people were satisfied with what I had done and how I had
done it. Receiving after this, Audiences of Lord Melbourne, Lord John
Russell, Lord Albemarle (Master of the Horse), and the Archbishop of
Canterbury, all in my room and alone. Saw Stockmar. Saw Clark, whom
I named my Physician. Saw Mary. Wrote to Uncle Ernest. Saw Ernest
Hohenlohe who brought me a kind and very feeling letter from the poor
Queen. I feel very much for her, and really feel that the poor good
King was always so kind personally to me, that I should be ungrateful
were I not to recollect it and feel grieved at his death. The poor
Queen is wonderfully composed now, I hear. Wrote my journal. Took my
dinner upstairs alone. Went downstairs. Saw Stockmar. At about 20
minutes to 9 came Lord Melbourne and remained till near 10. I had a
very important and a very _comfortable_ conversation with him. Each
time I see him I feel more confidence in him; I find him very kind in
his manner too. Saw Stockmar. Went down and said good-night to Mamma
&c. My _dear_ Lehzen will ALWAYS remain with me as my friend but will
take no situation about me, and I think she is right.
_Wednesday, 21st June._—Got up at 8. At 9 we all breakfasted. At ½ p.
9 I went to St. James’s in state. Mamma and Lady Mary Stopford were in
my carriage, and Lord Albemarle, Col. Cavendish, Lady Flora Hastings,
and Col. Harcourt in the others.... After the Proclamation Mamma and
the ladies repaired to an adjoining room and left me in the Closet. I
gave audiences to Lord Melbourne (a long one), the Earl Marshal (Duke
of Norfolk), and Garter King at Arms (Sir John Woods), relative to the
funeral of my poor Uncle the late King; to Lord Albemarle, Lord Hill,
Lord Melbourne (again for some time), and the Lord President (Lord
Lansdowne). I then held a Privy Council in the Throne Room. It was
not fully attended and was not the third part so full as it had been
on the preceding day. The Marquis of Anglesey,[282] the Chancellor
of the Exchequer (Mr. Spring Rice),[283] Lords Wharncliffe,[284]
Ashburton,[285] and Wynford,[286] Sir Hussey Vivian,[287] and some
Judges were sworn in as Privy Councillors and kissed hands. After
the Council I gave audiences to Lord Melbourne, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and all the Bishops except one or two, the Lord Chancellor
and all the Judges; Sir Hussey Vivian (Master General of the Ordnance),
Lord John Russell, Lord Glenelg,[288] Mr. Poulett Thomson,[289] Lord
Howick,[290] Lord Palmerston, and Lord Minto.[291] I then returned
home at 1. I must say it was quite like a dream and a sad one, when
I was seated in the Closet where but barely 5 weeks ago I beheld for
the last time my poor Uncle. At 2 came Stockmar till after 3. Wrote to
the Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Augusta.[292] Walked. Saw the
Duke of Norfolk. Wrote my journal. At 7 we dined. At 10 minutes to 9
came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till 10. I had an agreeable and
important and satisfactory conversation with him. Stayed up till a ¼ p.
10. Lord Hill told me a curious coincidence which is that the 21st of
June, the day on which I was proclaimed, is likewise the anniversary of
the Battle of Vittoria!
_Thursday, 22nd June._—Got up after 8. After 9 we breakfasted. The
children played in the room. At a ¼ p. 10 I walked out with Mary,
Lehzen, Charles and Edward, and came home at 20 minutes to 11. Wrote
to the Duchess of Gloucester. Wrote my journal. At 12 came the Judge
Advocate General (Mr. Cutlar Ferguson)[293] to submit various sentences
of Court Martial to me. He is a very clever intelligent man and
explained all the cases very clearly to me. I, of _course_, saw him
alone....
_Friday, 23rd June._—Got up at ½ p. 8. After 9 we breakfasted. The
children played in the room. I do not mention the VERY _frequent_
communications I have with Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell,[294]
&c., &c., &c., as also the other official letters I have to write and
receive, for want of time and space. Saw good Stockmar, who remained
in my room for some time. Saw the Marquis of Conyngham, then Lord
Hill, who explained to me finally about the Court Martials, then Sir
Henry Wheatley[295] and Col. Wood, who as Executors of the late
King, brought me his Will. At ½ p. 12 arrived Lady Catherine[296]
who remained in one of my sitting-rooms till now and still remains
(4 o’clock) answering letters, &c., &c. Saw the Duke of Argyll
(Lord Steward) at ½ p. 2. I wrote a letter to the Marchioness of
Tavistock[297] while Stockmar was here, asking her to become one of
my Ladies of the Bedchamber. Lay down. Wrote to the Marchioness of
Lansdowne,[298] asking her to become my first Lady of the Bedchamber.
At ½ p. 5 I drove out with Mary and Lehzen, and came home at ½ p.
6. After 7 we all dined. I had a GREAT deal of business to do after
dinner. Saw Stockmar. Received a very kind letter from Lady Lansdowne
accepting the situation. After dinner came Princess Sophia. Stayed up
till after 10.
_Saturday, 24th June._—Got up after 8. At ½ p. 9 we all breakfasted.
The children played in the room. Wrote a letter to the Duke of Sussex,
and to good Späth. At 11 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till 12. He is
a very honest, good and kind-hearted, as well as very clever man. He
told me that Lady Tavistock had accepted the situation. And he read
to me the answer which I was to give to the address from the House of
Lords. He told me that the Duke of Argyll would bring the Address but
would not read it; and consequently I was not to read mine. Wrote. At
12 came Lady Catherine Jenkinson and remained in my room till near 3.
Saw Stockmar at a little after 12. Saw Sir Frederick Wetherall.[299]
Saw Lord John Russell. _Wrote._—I really have immensely to do; I
receive so many communications from my Ministers but I like it very
much....
_Sunday, 25th June._—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. The
children played in the room. At 10 I went down to prayers with Mamma,
Mary, Lehzen, and Charles. The service was read by the Dean who
was much affected when he read the prayers in which my name is now
mentioned in the place of my poor Uncle, the late King. He preached a
very good and appropriate sermon; the text of which was from the 3rd
chapter of the Epistle General of St. Peter, 13th and 14th verses....
At a few minutes p. 12 came the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Spring
Rice) and stayed some time. He is a very clever and good man.... At
about 20 minutes p. 4 came Lord Melbourne till 20 minutes p. 5. He is a
good, honest, kind-hearted and clever man, and I like to talk to him....
_Monday, 26th June._—Got up at 8. Before 9 we breakfasted. At ½ p.
9 went with Mamma to Windsor. I was attended by Lady Tavistock and
Colonel Cavendish,[300] and Mamma by Lady Flora Hastings. We arrived
at the Castle, which looked very mournful and melancholy with the flag
half mast high, at about a ¼ p. 11. We went instantly to the poor
Queen’s apartments.[301] She received me _most kindly_ but was at first
much affected. She however soon regained her self-possession and was
wonderfully calm and composed. She gave us many painfully interesting
details of the illness and last moments of my poor Uncle the late
King. He bore his dreadful sufferings with the most exemplary patience
and always thanked Heaven when these sufferings were but slightly and
momentarily alleviated. He was in the happiest state of mind possible
and his death was worthy his high station. He felt so composed and
seemed to find so much consolation in Religion. The Queen is really a
most estimable and excellent person and she bears the prospect of the
great change she must soon go through in leaving Windsor and changing
her position in a most admirable, strong and high-minded manner. I do
not think her looking ill and the widow’s cap and weeds rather become
her. I saw Ernest Hohenlohe, Gustav and Prince Ernest of Hesse P.B. We
left Windsor at ½ p. 12. It gave me a very painful feeling to think
that the remains of my poor Uncle were in the Castle. Altogether the
whole rather upset me. We came at ½ p. 2. I forgot to say that Lord
Melbourne told me that the Duchess of Sutherland[302] has accepted the
office of Mistress of the Robes, and the Countess of Charlemont[303]
of one of my ladies of the Bedchamber. At ½ p. 2 came the Duchess of
Sutherland, whom I am delighted to have as my Mistress of the Robes;
she was looking so handsome and nice. At about 10 minutes to 4 came
Lord Melbourne and stayed till ½ p. 4. I talked with him as usual on
Political affairs, about my Household, and various other _Confidential_
affairs....
[Illustration: _H.M. Queen Adelaide_
_from a portrait by Sir W. Ross_]
_Tuesday, 27th June._—Got up at ½ p. 8. At a ¼ to 10 we breakfasted.
The children played in the room. Wrote my journal. At about 20 minutes
p. 11 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till ½ p. 12. At a little after
½ p. 12 came Lord Palmerston and stayed till a little p. 1. He is a
clever and agreeable man. Saw Lord John Russell and Lord Melbourne
for a minute. At a few minutes p. 2 I went down into the saloon with
Lady Lansdowne; Col. Cavendish, the Vice-Chamberlain (Lord Charles
Fitzroy),[304] and the Comptroller of the Household (Mr. Byng)[305]
were in waiting. Lord Melbourne then came in and announced that the
Addresses from the House of Commons were ready to come in. They were
read by Lord John Russell and I read an answer to both. Lord Melbourne
stood on my left hand and Lady Lansdowne behind me. Most of the Privy
Councillors of the House of Commons were present. After this Lord
Palmerston brought in the Earl of Durham,[306] who is just returned
from St. Petersburg. I conferred on him the Grand Cross of the Bath.
I knighted him with the Sword of State which is so enormously heavy
that Lord Melbourne was obliged to hold it for me, and I only inclined
it. I then put the ribbon over his shoulder. After this the foreign
Ambassadors and Ministers were severally introduced to me by Lord
Palmerston. I then went upstairs and gave audiences to the Earl of
Mulgrave[307] and to the Earl of Durham. The latter gave a long
account of Russia. Did various things. Saw Stockmar. As I did not feel
well I did not come down to dinner, but dined upstairs. I went down
after dinner. Stayed up till 10. I wore the blue Ribbon and Star of the
Garter in the afternoon....
_Saturday, 1st July._—Got up after 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Edward
played in the room only, Ernest not being good. Wrote. I repeat what I
said before that I have _so many_ communications from the Ministers,
and from me to them, and I get so many papers to sign _every_ day, that
I have always a _very great_ deal to do; but for want of time and space
I do not write these things down. I _delight_ in this work. Saw Lord
Melbourne. At about ½ p. 11 or a ¼ to 12 came Mr. Spring Rice. Saw Lord
John Russell. Wrote &c. At 2 came Sir Henry Wheatley to kiss hands upon
being appointed my Privy Purse. At a little after 2 I saw Stockmar for
a minute. At 10 minutes p. 2 came Lord Palmerston and stayed till 6
minutes p. 3. We talked about Russia and Turkey a good deal &c. He is
very agreeable, and clear in what he says. Saw Stockmar for some time
afterwards. Wrote my journal. I forgot to mention that I received a
letter from dearest Aunt Louise in the morning. The children played in
my room for a little while. At ½ past 5 I drove out with Mamma and dear
Lehzen and came home at 20 minutes to 7. At ½ p. 7 we dined. Stayed up
till a ¼ p. 10.
_Sunday, 2nd July._—Got up at ½ p. 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. The
children played in the room. At 10 I went to prayers with Mamma, Mary,
and dear Lehzen. The service was performed by the Dean who gave us also
a very good sermon. The text was from the 6th chapter of St. Matthew,
9th and 10th verses. Wrote, signed, &c. Wrote to dear Feodore. Received
a kind long letter from dear Uncle Leopold. At 10 minutes to 2 came
Lord Melbourne till a few minutes p. 3. Talked with him about many
important things. He is indeed a most truly honest, straightforward
and noble-minded man and I esteem myself _most_ fortunate to have such
a man at the head of the Government; a man in whom I can safely place
confidence. There are not _many_ like him in this world of deceit!
Mary and the children came up for a few minutes. At a little before 4
came Stockmar and stayed till a little before 5. He is a most honest,
excellent, disinterested and straightforward man, and most exceedingly
attached and devoted to me; he has been, and is, of the greatest use to
me....
_Saturday, 8th July._—Got up at a little after 8. At ½ p. 9 we
breakfasted. The children played in the room. Signed, &c. Sat to Mr.
Lane for a few minutes. Wrote to the poor Queen from whom I received
a _very_ kind letter last night; &c., &c. Saw good Stockmar for some
time. Saw Lord John Russell. At a few minutes p. 12 came my good
and honest friend Lord Melbourne and stayed till 20 minutes p. 1.
Talked over many important things. Saw Mr. Spring Rice.... I forgot
to say that Lord Melbourne wrote me word yesterday evening that Lady
Mulgrave[308] I was very desirous to become one of my Ladies of the
Bedchamber, and I told Lord Melbourne this morning that I would make
her one of my ladies. Wrote to Lady Lyttelton[309] to ask her to become
one of my ladies of the Bedchamber (in a _year_), for she is still in
widow’s weeds.... At a ¼ p. 7 I, Mamma, Mary and Lehzen dined, Charles
having gone at 5 o’clock to Windsor to attend the funeral of my poor
Uncle, the late King. It was very very sad to hear from ½ p. 8 till
nearly 10 o’clock, those dreadful minute guns! Alas! my poor Uncle, he
now reposes in quiet and peace! As Lord Melbourne said to me, the first
morning when I became Queen, that the poor King “had his faults as we
all have, but that he possessed many valuable qualities.” I have heard
from all sides that he was really very fond of me, and I shall _ever_
retain a grateful sense of his kindness to me and shall never forget
him. Life is short and uncertain, and I am determined to employ my time
well, so that when I am called away from this world my end may be a
peaceful and a happy one!...
_Tuesday, 11th July._—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. The
children played in the room. At a little after 10, sat to Mr. Lane for
a few minutes. Saw Col. Cavendish. Wrote, &c., &c. At ½ p. 11. came
Stockmar who brought me the unwelcome news of poor Lord Melbourne’s
continued indisposition and total incapability of coming to see me
to-day, which I regret for two reasons: first because I have many
things to ask him, 2ndly because I like very much to talk to him, as he
is so quiet in what he says....
_Wednesday, 12th July._—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Did
various things. At ½ p. 10 came Stockmar and stayed for some time. At
½ p. 11 came Lord Melbourne and stayed till ½ p. 12. He looked and
said he was better, but not quite well. Dressed. At a little before
2 I went with Mamma and the Duchess of Sutherland (in my carriage),
Charles and Mary and Lady Tavistock and Lord Albemarle (in the next
carriage), and Lady Mary Stopford and Colonel Cavendish in another. I
was in full dress and wore the Order of the Bath. I went in state with
a large escort. I was received at the door by the Lord Chamberlain,
the Lord Steward, &c., &c., and was by them conducted into the Closet,
where some people kissed hands. I then went into the Throne Room, Lord
Conyngham handing me in, and a Page of Honour (Master Ellice) bearing
my train. I sat on the Throne. Mamma and Mary stood on the steps of the
Throne on one side, and the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Tavistock
stood near me (behind). I then received the two Addresses (of which, as
also of all the other things, I subjoin an account), and read Answers
to both. I then returned to the Closet; and went into another room to
put on the Mantle of the Bath[310] (of crimson satin lined with white
silk); I then saw Lord Melbourne in the Closet for a few minutes.
After this I went again into the Throne-room, and seated myself on
the Throne. I then conferred the Order of the Bath (_not sitting_ of
course) upon Prince Esterhazy. After this I again went into the Closet.
Mamma, Mary, Charles and Lady Mary Stopford then went home; it was 3
o’clock. I then took off my Mantle. Received two Deputations from the
Sheriffs &c., to ask when I would receive two more Addresses from the
City. My two Ladies attended me, but after this they went into another
room, where they remained till I went. I then gave an Audience to Lord
Lansdowne. After this I held a Privy Council. After the Council I gave
audiences to the Earl of Yarborough[311] (who thanked me very much for
having appointed his amiable daughter, Lady Charlotte Copley, one of my
Bedchamber Women); to Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell, Lord Mulgrave,
and Lord Hill. I then left the Palace, the Duchess of Sutherland (who
looked lovely, as she always does), and Lady Tavistock, going with me
in my carriage, in the same way as I came, and got home at a ¼ to 5....
_Thursday, 13th July._—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. It
was the _last time_ that I slept in this poor old Palace,[312] as I
go into Buckingham Palace today. Though I rejoice to _go_ into B.P.
for many reasons, it is not without feelings of regret that I shall
bid adieu _for ever_ (that is to say _for ever_ as a DWELLING), to
this my birth-place, where I have been born and bred, and to which
I am really attached! I have seen my dear sister married here, I
have seen many of my dear relations here, I have had pleasant balls
and _delicious_ concerts here, my present rooms upstairs are really
very pleasant, comfortable and pretty, and _enfin_ I like this poor
Palace. I have held my first Council here too! I have gone through
painful and disagreeable scenes here, ’tis true, but still I am fond
of the poor old Palace. Lord Melbourne told me yesterday that the
Hon. Miss Dillon[313] (to whom I had offered it), has accepted the
situation of Maid of Honour. I always saw Lord Melbourne and also
Stockmar in my Private Sitting-room (the first of the three), but all
the other Ministers &c. &c. I saw in the further room (the farthest
of the 3). Did various things. Saw Stockmar for some time. The poor
rooms look so sad and deserted, everything being taken away. Wrote my
journal. At a little after 2 I went with Mamma and Lady Lansdowne (in
my carriage), Lehzen, and Col. Cavendish (in the next) to Buckingham
Palace. I am much pleased with my rooms.[314] They are high, pleasant
and cheerful. Arranged things. At a little after 4 Lady Lansdowne
brought Miss Pitt[315] and Miss Spring Rice[316] (the two Maids of
Honour in Waiting, and who lodge here) to kiss hands. Miss Pitt is
a _very_ pretty, elegant, nice girl, and Miss Spring Rice is a nice,
clever-looking girl. Saw Stockmar. Lady Lansdowne afterwards brought
Miss Davys to kiss hands, who is a very nice girl (though not at all
pretty). I then walked round the garden (which is large and very
pretty) with Mamma. Dear _Dashy_ was quite happy in it....
[Illustration: _H.R.H. Princess Victoria_
_from a portrait by R. J. Lane 1829._]
INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER VII
The break between the life of Princess Victoria and that of the
young Queen was now complete. Changes came innumerable and fast.
Her Household was formed, and it reflected the complexion of Lord
Melbourne’s Ministry, which had been established in power after
the General Election by a majority of thirty-eight. The Queen left
the home of her childhood for ever. She was the first Sovereign to
occupy Buckingham Palace. The building had been begun by George
IV., and although finished by William IV., had never been prepared
for occupation. It remained an inconvenient house until it was
added to in after-years by Prince Albert. Although Baron Stockmar,
the old medical attendant of King Leopold, who had been domiciled
in England by command of his master, was reputed to be acting as
the Queen’s Private Secretary, that post was in reality occupied
by Lord Melbourne himself. He was both Private Secretary and Tutor
to the young Queen at this stage of her career. Her political
education proceeded fast, and she learned with avidity. Her good
sense and composure were indeed remarkable. It was noted by all
that she was considerate and thoughtful to her elderly relatives,
and to the friends and servants of her predecessor. Her girlish
charm was attractive to those who were privileged to be about her,
and its influence over her subjects was soon widespread. When
within a month of her accession she appeared in the House of Lords
to dissolve Parliament in accordance with the Law, she read her
Speech, said Fanny Kemble, who was present, with splendid effect.
This well-qualified judge observed that the Queen’s voice was
exquisite, that her enunciation was as perfect as the intonation
was melodious, and that it was impossible to hear more excellent
utterance than that of the Queen’s English by the English Queen.
It is difficult always to remember that the writer of these
Journals was at this epoch little more than a child, that she
had been educated almost exclusively by women, and that she had
lived on the whole a very solitary life, hampered by the unhappy
conditions attached to a girl who possesses no brothers and
sisters, and is in addition heir to a Throne. She was now suddenly
thrown almost entirely among men, grave and old, all of whom were
engaged in administering the complicated affairs of that Kingdom of
which she was Queen. It is difficult to imagine a greater contrast.
How rapidly the youthful Princess became a woman under the pressure
of these extraordinary circumstances becomes clear from her
Journals. They indicate a curious maturity, through which, however,
there peeps occasionally the face and figure of a child.