HC Deb 08 July 1834 vol 24 cc1303-5

Colonel Williams moved for leave to bring in a Bill "to repeal the 12th Geo. 3rd, c. 11, called the Royal Marriage Act, for the purpose of restoring to the Members of the Royal Family their just and natural rights, and to afford a prospect that the Government of England will, in time, be under an influence entirely English."

The Attorney General

said, that he could hardly believe the hon. Member was serious in submitting such a Motion under existing circumstances, and at a time when there were so many practical measures waiting for discussion. At all events, he would enter into no debate upon the subject. He would merely observe, that it was a gross mistake to suppose that members of the British Royal Family were prevented by the Royal Marriage Act from marrying any but foreigners. The fact was, they might marry with any British-born subject if they obtained the King's consent.

Mr. O'Connell

thought, that the Royal Marriage Act operated oppressively, and ought to be repealed. It did not prevent disputed claims, and, in fact, a serious case of that nature at present existed. He believed, that the operation of the Act was much more limited than was generally supposed, and that it did not touch marriages made out of England.

Motion withdrawn.