Approaching Nuptials.

103.

CHAPTER V.

Arrival of Prince Leopold-Court Anecdotes-Political Regulations-Royal Establishment-Nuptials-Public Congratulations-Nuptial Drawing-room.

On the return of Buonaparte to France, Prince Leopold hastened from Vienna to the grand allied army on the Rhine, which soon afterwards reached Paris.

On the termination of the war, the affairs of his family detained him for some time in the French capital, after which he proceeded by way of Co burg to Berlin; and here it was that the invitation of the Prince Regent intimated to him the high destiny to which he was called.

In February, 1816, it was first publicly announced that the marriage was considered certain and fully arranged,* and on the 21st of that month, the destined husband of the Princess Charlotte landed at Dover, and instantly set off for town on his arrival, Lord Castlereagh, as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, waited upon the Prince at the Clarendon Hotel, to congratulate him, and know

His titles were announced as "His Serene Highness LEOPOLD GEORGE FREDERIC, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Coburg of Saalfeld."

104

Interview of the Lovers.

his pleasure as to his future arrangements. His Lordship, as soon as he had taken his leave of the Prince, dispatched a messenger with the result of the interview to the Prince Regent at Brighton, The same evening, about ten o'clock, General Sir Benjamin Bloomfield arrived in London from Brighton, and immediately after proceeded to Lord Castlereagh's house, with a communication from the Prince Regent, containing an invitation, which he immediately accepted, proceeding to the Pavilion, where he was soon domesticated, and in a few days reintroduced to his affianced bride. Here he soon manifested how truly he was entitled to the character of a Protestant Prince, by his regular attendance on the duties of the Established Church; indeed, such was his sensibility to religious truths when he had received the sacrament the first time, during this residence at Brighton, that he addressed a letter to the Princess, informing her of his communicating, and imparting to her the sentiments he then felt.

He also displayed a most becoming propriety in the dedication of all his leisure hours to the study of English history and literature, preparatory to the high destiny which he was so confidently expected to enjoy. Here, too, he entered upon a more intimate acquaintance with the Royal Family, her Majesty, with the Princesses Elizabeth and Mary being then at the Pavilion, which they left for

Windsor on the 5th of March, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte, who was to return to Cranbourn Lodge.

It seems as if, notwithstanding the good wishes of all the parties concerned, that there still existed some cause of demur in regard to the final arrangements; and very early in March, there was a species of demi-official bulletin handed about in the fashionable circles, which found its way into the public prints; stating, that" There seems to be somewhat of a too confident expectation entertained, that the union of Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg with the Heiress of the British Crown will take place without any previous ceremony or delay. We have heretofore expressed our satisfaction at the prospect of a matrimonial alliance which might be agreeable to her Royal Highness's personal sentiments, and might lay the foundation for her future happiness, private and public; but still we think it is proceeding a little too fast to speak of Prince Leopold's being received at the Pavilion with the most enthusiastic welcome by the Duke of Clarence;' nay, to denominate him at once the favoured husband of the Princess.' The truth, we have good reason to believe, is, that her Royal Highness, however favourable her opinion of Prince Leopold may be, is not by any means so blindly resolved on uniting her fate with his, as to neglect the many important considerations which

100

Patriotism of the Princess.

are necessary to be first understood and provided for on both sides, with a view to many possible contingencies. We believe we hazard little in saying, that the Princess entertains so firm an attachment to her native country, that she would on no account whatever incur the hazard of being hereafter compelled to abandon it for a residence with her husband on the Continent. Rumours have prevailed, in some quarters, of an intention to appoint Prince Leopold Viceroy of Hanover; but to this plan, it is understood, her Royal Highness has a decided objection. The people of England cannot but enter warmly into any feelings which mark an aversion in their future Sovereign to be removed, for however short a period, from English society, English manners, and English affections: and if any Parliamentary measure should be necessary for the entire satisfaction of her Royal Highness's mind on this point, it would no doubt be adopted with eagerness by both Houses."

How far these surmises were correct, we cannot pretend to say, but they were not of serious duration; for on the 10th of March, a Privy Council was held at Brighton, for the express purpose of considering the union, when the consent of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent was officially given, and the Lord Chancellor was stated to have then actually affixed the Great Seal of England to the instrument, authorising the nuptial ceremony.

Matrimonial Message.

107

This was followed up by a public notification to the House of Lords on the 14th of the month, when the Earl of Liverpool brought down a Message from the Prince Regent, to the following effect:

"G. P. R.

His

"His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, having given the Royal Assent to a Marriage between his daughter, the Princess Charlotte Augusta, and his Serene Highness the Prince Leopold George Frederic of Coburg Saalfeld, has thought fit to communicate the same to the House of Peers. Royal Highness is persuaded that this alliance cannot but be gratifying to all his Majesty's loyal subjects; and from the many proofs of affection and attachment shown by the House of Peers to his Majesty's person and family, no room was left to him to doubt, but that they would cheerfully concur in making such a provision for the establishment of their Royal Highnesses as would be suitable to the honour and dignity of the Crown."

His Lordship observed, that the subject was one which must be deeply interesting to this country; for whatever difference of opinion in political matters might prevail, all must concur in wishing the utmost domestic happiness to the Royal Family. -He added, that he spoke it not as words, of course, but from the best authority, that there was but