HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN (BIRTH OF A SON) (Hansard, 22 February 1960)

§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)
In accordance with precedent, I beg to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, offering the congratulations of this House to Her Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh on the birth of a son and assuring Her Majesty of the unfeigned joy and satisfaction of Her faithful Commons in this happy event. I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that this is a Motion to which, did Parliamentary practice allow, every hon. Member would be glad to attach his name. It is over one hundred years since a child was born to a reigning Sovereign. That was in 1857 when a daughter, Princess Beatrice, was born to the Queen's great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. At that time there were many who questioned the value of the monarchy in a progressive age. There were others who would certainly not have declared with any assurance that it would survive another one hundred years.
Through this tempestuous and often tragic century, amid the crashing of thrones and republican institutions alike, the British monarchy has stood firm. Today, the position of the Crown and its hold upon the respect and affection of the people are stronger than they have ever been. For that there are many reasons, but chief among them we may perhaps put the character of Her Majesty and her immediate forebears and the devotion with which they have served their subjects all over the world.
Today, the Royal Family live in the glare of publicity. One sometimes feels that this puts a very heavy strain upon them, but it is a strain which they bear cheerfully because they cannot but be aware that it is one of the strongest bonds between the Crown and the people.
One of my earliest recollections is being taken, as a very small child, to see Queen Victoria's second or Diamond Jubilee. It was a great procession. I was not old enough to appreciate at the time that I was one of a small minority—the citizens of London—who were able to see her in progress through the streets of her capital. But today all Her Majesty's subjects here at home see 33 the Queen on frequent occasions, in many parts of the island, and many of them see her in person during her numerous public engagements, and vastly more through their television screens.
That was most notably the case at the Coronation and more recently at the State Opening of Parliament, ceremonies to which the great mass of the public were admitted for the first time in history. We can confidently expect that long before the new Prince reaches manhood the same advantages will be open to the subjects of the Queen throughout the whole Commonwealth.
The growth and development of the Commonwealth has brought the Queen added responsibilities. There are few corners of the globe, however remote, that have not received a visit from the Queen or Prince Philip, or a member of the Royal Family, since Her Majesty's accession, eight years ago. Her Majesty herself was in Kenya when she was called to the Throne. Since that time she has made, with Prince Philip, journeys to her people in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ceylon, Nigeria, Uganda, Burmuda, Jamaica, Fiji, Aden, Malta, and Gibraltar. We all know from personal and recent experience the very deep appreciation which is felt in so many parts of the Commonwealth for these Royal visits, which make the Crown a living reality, as well as a symbol of unity.
It is fitting that the House of Commons should, in accordance with ancient custom, pass the Motion this afternoon; but behind it is more than custom. It is a Motion which comes from the hearts of all of us. We offer our best wishes for a long and happy life for the new Prince, as well as our congratulations to his Royal parents. We equally rejoice that, in discharging their heavy duties, Her Majesty and Prince Philip are fortified by the incom- 34 parable blessing of a happy and fruitful married life.
Let the Motion tell them that there is something else by which they can feel strengthened. Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have told her people: This I count the glory of my Crown, that I have reigned with your loves". Those are words which can be echoed with utter truth by Queen Elizabeth II.

§ Mr. Hugh Gaitskell (Leeds, South)
I have the honour, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Opposition, to second the Motion which has been proposed in such felicitous and appropriate terms by the Prime Minister.
The universal enthusiasm, excitement and rejoicing on the birth of a second son to the Queen is one more proof of the profound affection and loyalty felt for Her Majesty, for her husband, and the Royal Family. Although, alas, the occasion is clouded by the sad and sudden death of Lady Mountbatten, Her Majesty can be sure that the great personal and domestic happiness which the birth of a child brings her is fully reflected in the hearts of her people.

§ Mr. J. Grimond (Orkney and Shetland)
May I, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Liberal Party, also support the Motion, and ask to be associated with the congratulations offered to Her Majesty by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition?