§ MR. RAIKESasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that Her Majesty was alone among European Sovereigns unrepresented by a special Ambassador or Envoy at the recent Coronation of the King of Sweden and Norway; and, whether he can state the reasons which have induced Her Majesty's Government to advise on this occasion a course different from that followed at the accession of the present Emperor of Russia and other Sovereigns?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDSir, in matters of international etiquette and of Court ceremonials, it is usual to follow precedents, and this year the same usage was adopted on the occasion of the coronation of the King of Sweden, as was followed in 1844 and 1860, when on the coronation of two Kings of Sweden letters of congratulation were addressed by Her Majesty to those Sovereigns. On this occasion other Powers besides Great Britain were not represented, and I trust the House will not think that in following these precedents there could have been anything to impair the friendship and good understanding which so happily exists between Great Britain and Sweden. I speak with reserve, but I believe it is likely that one of the sons of Her Majesty will be present at the coronation of the King in Norway in July next.