HL Deb 27 May 1825 vol 13 c899

The Earl of Liverpool observed, that he would trouble their lordships with only a few words on .his majesty's most gracious Message. He need not inform their lordships that the young princess, the daughter of the late duke of Kent, had been left under the care of her mother under very peculiar circumstances, and that no provision had yet been made for her support. Their lordships were aware that the provision which had already been made for the duchess of Kent did not exceed 6,000l. a-year, and that that provision had been made without reference to any issue she might have. He was sure their lordships would, therefore, readily concur in carrying into effect the recommendation of his majesty. There never was a person whose conduct had in all respects been more commendable than that of the duchess of Kent, since she came to this country. With respect to the other royal person for whose issue provision was proposed to be made, their lordships would recollect, that, since the present income of the duke of Cumberland had been settled, he had had a son, who was now about seven years of age. He was unwilling to advert to what had caused a difference of opinion on a former occasion, but though an increase of revenue had been granted to other branches of the royal family, the duke of Cumberland had received no addition to his income. Under these circumstances his majesty's ministers conceived that they were only doing their duty, when they recommended the sending down a message from his majesty to parliament, recommending, that provision should be made for the issue of the late duke of Kent and the duke of Cumberland. All that he had now to do was, to request that their lordships would agree to an address to the king, assuring his majesty that they would concur in carrying into effect that object of the recommendation contained in his gracious message. What would be proposed was, an addition of 6,000l. a-year to the income of the duchess of Kent, and 6,000l. a-year to the income of the duke of Cumberland.

The Earl of Darnley

expressed his warm approbation of the proposed measure with respect to the duchess of Kent. He should do injustice to his feelings, if he refrained from declaring, that he considered her royal highness to afford an example of prudence and excellent conduct.

The motion was agreed to nem. dis.