HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS LOUISE OF WALES. (Hansard, 5 July 1889)

§ EARL CADOGAN

, in rising to move, "That humble Addresses of Thanks and Concurrence be presented to Her Majesty upon the said Addresses" said:—My Lords, in the absence of the Prime Minister, who is in attendance on Her Majesty at Windsor, it has devolved upon me to invite your Lord- 1546 ships to agree to humble Addresses to be presented to Her Majesty, assuring Her Majesty that this House will cheerfully concur in any measures which may be proposed for giving effect to Her Majesty's wishes as expressed in the Gracious Messages which have just been read. On previous occasions of a similar nature your Lordships have shown an anxiety to take any opportunity which may offer itself of giving further proof of that loyalty to the Throne and that attachment to the person of the Queen and Her family of which Her Majesty has made Gracious mention. My Lords, the Gracious Messages now under consideration deal with two subjects distinct in themselves, but identical in their connection with the welfare and prosperity of the Royal Family, and I venture also to say identical in the interest which they have excited in every one of your Lordships. With reference to the first Message, it cannot be doubted that this House will readily assent to any proposal for enabling the eldest son of the Heir Apparent to the Throne adequately to maintain the exalted position to which he is called, and to prepare himself for the performance of those great and important duties which lie before him. The second Gracious Message refers to an auspicious event, the announcement of which has evoked the strongest expressions of satisfaction from all classes of Her Majesty's subjects. We rejoice to think that the projected marriage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise of Wales with the Earl of Fife—prompted, as we have been informed that it is, by the strong and enduring tie of mutual affection—offers the brightest promise for the future of Her Royal Highness and her consort; and I think I may venture, on behalf of this 1547 House, to express the confident hope that the alliance, contracted under such favourable auspices, may prove a continual blessing and a source of lasting happiness to Her Majesty and Her family. I beg, therefore, to move that a humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, assuring Her Majesty that your Lordships will cheerfully concur in the measures which may be proposed for the consideration of the House.

§ EARL GRANVILLE

I ask permission of your Lordships to second the Motion of the noble Earl, and I will follow his example in saying the very few words I have to say with reference to both Messages at once. With regard to the making of due provision for Prince Albert Victor, I do not think there will be the slightest hesitation on your Lordships' part. The Prince has arrived at an age when due provision ought to be made for him. I think for the first time, by the liberality of the Queen, he will be enabled to live under his own roof. He has already travelled much. He has not only mixed in society, but he has taken his part—a becoming part—in the public functions of this country. He has done meritorious service in the profession to which he belongs. With regard to the other Address, referring to the marriage of the Princess Louise, it has been, partly from my age and partly from other circumstances, my good fortune to move or second many Addresses of a like character. I cannot help remembering that I had the honour 26 years ago of moving such an Address with regard to the illustrious parents of the Princess Louise. On that occasion I referred to what my noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal has also mentioned, the sanction which these marriages have always received from the personal affection and esteem of the contracting parties. I believe this is eminently the case in the present instance. There is not only a union of hearts and feelings, but the marriage has been brought about by long personal knowledge, which is the best augury for the future. The question of Supply rests mainly with the other House, and we look to the Government for guidance in the matter. I have no doubt whatever that if a proper allowance is made your Lordships will most cordially concur in it. At the same time, on behalf of the noble Lords 1548 behind me, I may say that we thoroughly join with the Lord Privy Seal in his wishes for every possible happiness to the illustrious personages concerned.