The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in rising to submit a motion to the House, hoped that they would pardon him for so doing, without previous notice; but he was convinced that they were all so well acquainted with the high character and virtues of the illustrious personages who were the subject of it, that they would not hesitate to grant the congratulations usual on the marriage of any branches of the royal family. The right 164 hon. gentleman then moved, "That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, to offer the dutiful congratulations of this House to his Royal Highness, on the happy nuptials of her royal highness the Princess Mary, daughter of his Majesty, with his royal highness the duke of Gloucester; and to assure his Royal Highness of the sincere and heartfelt satisfaction which this House derives from a circumstance that must add so much domestic happiness to his Majesty's family."
Mr. Ponsonbyagreed in every sentiment expressed by the right hon gentleman, both as to the high character of the illustrious individuals, and the satisfaction that must be felt by the House in congratulating them on their marriage; but he hoped it would not be considered impertinent curiosity, if he should ask, why his majesty's ministers had deviated from the usual custom of noticing, in the Speech from the throne, the marriage of one of the royal family, celebrated during the recess? He did not mention this as a matter of reproach, though it certainly was one of very censurable negligence.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerreplied, that it had not been considered necessary to notice the marriage as a matter of information in the Speech, the House having been apprised of its intended solemnization during the last session.
The Address was agreed to nem. con. as were also Addresses of congratulation to the queen and to the royal couple.