CHAPTER VI

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)