PRINCE OF WALES—MESSAGE FROM HER MAJESTY. (Hansard, 17 February 1863)

§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTON
Sir, the House have already been informed by the Speech from the Throne of the intended marriage of the Prince of Wales, and in their Address have expressed the sentiments which they entertain on that subject. All, therefore, that it becomes my duty to do on the present occasion is to ask the House to agree to an Address in answer to the Message which you, Sir, have just read, assuring Her Majesty that this House will at the earliest possible time take that Message into consideration, with a view of making such provision for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales as may be suitable to their high rank and station. I am quite sure that the House will feel pleasure in adopting that course, and I therefore give notice that on Thursday, the earliest order day, it will be my duty to propose a Resolution on that subject. The House will, of course, understand that in agreeing to the Address which I am about to propose there is no pledge implied or expressed as to any particular arrangement. It would be unfitting for me now to go into those details which I shall have occasion to explain to the House on Thursday night. I shall therefore content my- 414 self with inviting the House to do that which has been always usual on similar occasions—namely, to agree to an Address to the following effect:— That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, to return to Her Majesty the Thanks of this House for Her most gracious Message, and to assure Her Majesty that this House will immediately proceed to the consideration thereof, in such a manner as shall demonstrate their zeal, duty, and affectionate attachment to Her Majesty, and a due regard to the rank and dignity of the Royal family.

§ MR. DISRAELI
Sir, I am sure the House will agree to this Address with unanimity not only of the voice but of the heart. I am persuaded the House of Commons will seize every occasion of testifying its affectionate loyalty to the Sovereign under whose reign not only has the greatness of the Empire been sustained, but the happiness of the people has been increased. Nor can we ever forget, Sir, that from one, and that the most august, home in this country during the long period of a quarter of a century—a period commensurate with the reign itself—an undeviating influence has been exercised which has refined the taste and elevated the sentiments of the whole community. The country takes a deep interest in the happiness and in the order of the household of the Prince of Wales, and I am sure, Sir, the House will support every reasonable proposition brought forward by Her Majesty's Ministers, the object of which is to realize those results.

§ SIR HENRY WILLOUGHBY
I quite concur in the Address, but I wish to know whether it is the intention of the Government to place on the table of the House any authentic account of the revenues of the Duchy of Cornwall? I am not aware that there is any Return which shows the amount of income for the past year and the accumulations during the minority of his Royal Highness. I think that such a document is necessary, and I ask for it now in order that the House may have the opportunity of considering it before entering upon this discussion.

§ MR. W. WILLIAMS
I think that before any Vote is come to on this subject we ought to have a full account of the revenues of the Duchy of Cornwall, and also a statement of the accumulations during the minority of the Prince of Wales.

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
The statement of the revenues 415 of the Duchy of Cornwall will be laid on the table of the House this evening.

§ MR. W. WILLIAMS
Will it show the accumulations during the Prince's minority?

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
The statement is made in the form required by the Act of Parliament. [Several hon. MEMBERS: The accumulations?] The report from the Council of the Duchy would contain whatever further information was needed.