dy made public appearances, and his voice had
been heard, in the City of London. The words were few, but the occasions
were so important that with them may be commenced the record of the
Speeches of His Royal Highness. The earliest appearance in a public
assembly was at the banquet of the Royal Academy of Arts, on the 2nd of
May, 1863.

SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.

AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUET.

_May 2nd, 1863._

The annual banquet given by the President and Council of the
Royal Academy of Arts, at Burlington House, is one of the chief
events of the London season, or rather, it marks the opening of the
season. It always takes place on the Saturday preceding the
first Monday in May, when the Exhibition of Pictures is opened
to the public. Seldom can a more distinguished company of men,
eminent in art, science, and literature, as well as in social position
and public life, be seen together than on these occasions. The
Prince of Wales has been a very frequent guest, and his speeches
have been so numerous, that it seems best to group them together,
at a later part of this volume. But the first speech at the Academy
banquet was so interesting an occasion that it is given under the
date of its delivery.

The presence of the young Prince, and so soon after his
marriage, gave unusual _eclat_ to the banquet of 1863. At that
time Sir Charles Eastlake was President, and the rooms of the
Academy were at Trafalgar Square. After the toast of "The Queen,"
the President made touching reference to the loss which the
nation as well as the Royal Family had recently sustained. He
gave "The memory of the great and good Prince Consort," which
was drunk in deep silence. Then followed the toast of "The Prince
of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." "The Council of the
Royal Academy," said the President, "had that day the honour of
offering their respectful and heartfelt congratulations to His Royal
Highness on his marriage to a Princess, whose personal attractions
and gracious manners enhance the impression of Her Royal
Highness's amiable character."

The Prince, in replying, spoke (as was said at the time)
"evidently under deep emotion, but in a peculiarly clear and
pleasing tone of voice, and with great impressiveness of
manner":--

"Sir Charles Eastlake, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and
Gentlemen,--It is with the most contending feelings of pleasure,
pride, and sorrow that I rise to re