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118

City Ceremonies.

In the conduct of the Prince and his lovely bride, there seems indeed to have been an impatience of ceremony, a wish to get through the ordeal of courtly etiquette, and retire at once to

The Princes Charlotte answered

"We receive with great satisfaction this proof of the attention and regard of the House of Commons, and return them many thanks for their congratulations."

The Answer of Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg to the House of Commons was as follows:

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"I rejoice at the share the House of Commons take in my happiness, and am sensible of their attention in making these congratula tions. I am very much obliged to them for their good wishes, and thank them for the assurances of their friendship, which I shall always try to deserve."

After the Corporation of the City of London had presented their Address at Carlton House, and had returned to their carriages, they renewed the procession, and proceeded to Camelford House. The procession entered the court-yard by Hereford-street.-The Princess Charlotte appeared at one of the windows of Camelford House, and being seen by the populace, they greeted her with loud huzzas.

The procession arrived at Camelford House at about a quarter past five o'clock.

The Lord Mayor addressed the Gentlemen, and informed them, he understood the room in which the Princess was to receive them was not large enough to contain so numerous an assemblage; probably it would only hold about thirty at a time, and requested that they would allow some to leave the room before others entered, but assured them that the Princess would see every Gentleman. This request was attended to. Her Royal Highness received them in the drawing room, and took her station at the centre of the room from the en

Courtly Etiquette.

119

rural seclusion, that led them to hasten and almost to anticipate the usual forms-to crowd the matrimonial Iliad into a nutshell-and to become, at once, the plain English lady and gentleman, enjoying the calm pleasures that enliven, and alleviating the rustic sorrows that often surround, a country retirement. In pursuance of this plan, all pub

trance, in a dress of black silk, agreeably to the directions of the court mourning, with a most elegant plume of white feathers. Mr. Percy, her Equerry, to her right; Lady Emily Murray, Lady John Thynne, and Miss Coates, also to her right. Then entered the Lord, Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Recorder who read the Address, to which her Royal Highness returned the following most gracious Answer:

"MY LORD MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN,

"I receive your congratulations with the utmost satisfaction; and I desire you to be assured, that it will be my constant wish and endeavour to preserve the esteem of the City of London."

After which, they had the honour of kissing the hand of her Royal Highness.

The same ceremony was then observed to his Serene Highness the Prince of Saxe Coburg, who appeared in regimentals, with his Orders of Merit.

His Serene Highness's Answer was as follows:

"MY LORD MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN,

"I return you my warmest thanks for your congratulations, and for the sentiments so favourable and so gratifying to myself, with which they are accompanied."

The Prince and Princess afterwards went out to take a short ride before dinner in their curricle; the crowd took off their hats and gave them loud huzzas, the Prince in return took off his hat and bowed; the Princess Charlotte stood, curtsyed, bowed, &c.

120

Nuptial Drawing Room.

lic show and exhibition were crowded into the first half of the honey moon.

The first of these was the nuptial Drawing Room; and it having been officially announced that the Queen would hold a Drawing Room on Thursday, to receive the congratulations of the nobility and gentry on the marriage, a greater interest was excited among the public, and the Court itself was more splendidly and numerously attended, than on any previous occasion. It is supposed, that between two and three thousand persons were present. As early as ten o'clock in the morning, all the foot-paths about Buckingham House were crowded with spectators, while the great hall and windows of the Palace were filled with more select visitants admitted by tickets. The company began to arrive soon after twelve, and continued, so to do till past four o'clock. The royal pair, the grand object of attraction, arrived at a quarter before two o'clock. They came in state, escorted by Life-Guards, and preceded by three carriages containing their suite. The Queen, with the Princesses, entered the Drawing-room at two. The company immediately addressed her Majesty with their congratulations, and then passed on to pay their respects to the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, who stood on the right hand of her Majesty the Princess fondly repeating her happiness to every enquirer.

Princely Example.

121

The Princess Charlotte and her happy husband left the Palace in the same state with which they entered, and were received on their departure, as at their entrance, with loud huzzas by the populace, forming one of the most respectable throngs of spectators ever beheld.

The exterior of the Palace, as well as the interior, had the most splendid and fascinating appearance. The company, who had paid their congratulatory respects to the Queen at the commencement of the Drawing-room, were not able to leave the Palace, their carriages not being able to draw up till all the company had set down. The windows of the Palace were filled with elegantes, others promenaded the Palace court-yard, and the grass-plot, which gave it more the appearance of a grand fete or gala. Such an assemblage, in such splendid dresses, parading in the open air, probably was never before witnessed on any occasion; and the effect of the promenade was considerably heightened by the excellent accompaniment of some charming pieces by the band.

During the whole of this trying scene, the modest, yet happy demeanour, of the Royal Bride, was gratifying to every heart; and an example to her fair compatriots on similar occasions. Let us add, too, that another part of her conduct was a bright example to the Ladies of Britain; may it be impressed upon their hearts and minds, and it will be a valuable le

122

Patriotic Costume.

gacy from her, who thus, even from the tomb, inculcates a lesson of patriotism that would have been strengthened by her virtuous Providence spared her to us!

endeavours, had Every part of her

dress, and that of the richest kind, with the exception of some foreign laces, was of British manufacture!

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