]

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._

FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th March 1843._

Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. In obedience
to your Majesty's commands he has endeavoured to consider the letter
of the Grand Duke of Baden with reference to the position of the
Princess Mary[27] in this country. Lord Aberdeen does not find in the
proceedings of the Conference of Great Powers at Vienna, at Aix
la Chapelle, or at Paris, anything which can materially affect the
question. The great difficulty with respect to the Princess appears
to arise from the fact that in this country the rank and precedence
of every person are regulated and fixed by law. Should your Majesty be
disposed to deviate from the strict observance of this, although
Lord Aberdeen cannot doubt that it would receive a very general
acquiescence, it is still possible that the Princess might be exposed
to occasional disappointment and mortification....

There is a consideration, to which Lord Aberdeen would humbly advert,
which may not altogether be unworthy of your Majesty's notice. Your
Majesty does not wish to encourage alliances of this description;
and although there may be no danger of their frequent occurrence,
it cannot be denied that an additional inducement would exist if
Princesses always retained their own rank in this country.

On the whole, Lord Aberdeen would humbly submit to your Majesty that
the Princess might be received by your Majesty, in the first instance,
with such distinction as was due to her birth--either by a Royal
carriage being sent to bring her to your Majesty's presence, or in any
manner which your Majesty might command--with the understanding that
she should permanently adopt the title and station of her husband.
Your Majesty's favour and protection, afforded to her in this
character will probably realise all the expectations of the Grand
Duke; and, without acknowledging any positive claim or right, your
Majesty would secure the gratitude of the Princess.

[Footnote 27: The Princess Mary of Baden had recently married
the Marquis of Douglas, eldest son of the Duke of Hamilton.
_See_ p. 439. (Ch. XI, 1st November, 1842)]

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE TO HOLD LEVEES]

_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th March 1843._

The Queen has spoken again to the Prince about the Levees, who has
kindly consented to do what can be of use and convenience to the
Queen. Ther