turn you thanks in the name of
myself and the Royal family for the kind terms in which you, Sir
Charles, have proposed our health, and for the very cordial way
in which this distinguished assembly has received it. I cannot on
this occasion divest my mind of the associations connected with
my beloved and lamented father. His bright example cannot fail to
stimulate my efforts to tread in his footsteps: and, whatever my
shortcomings may be, I may at least presume to participate in the
interest which he took in every institution which tended to
encourage art and science in this country, but more especially in
the prosperity of the Royal Academy. Adverting to my marriage, I
beg you to believe how grateful I feel for, and I may be
permitted to add how sincerely I appreciate, the sentiments you
have expressed with reference to the Princess. I know that I am
only speaking her mind in joining her thoughts to mine on this
occasion. We neither of us can ever forget the manner in which
our union has been celebrated throughout the nation; and I should
be more than ungrateful if I did not retain the most lasting as
well as most pleasing recollection of the kind expressions and
reception which my attendance at your anniversary meeting has
evoked this evening."

Among the speakers at this banquet of 1863 were Lord Palmerston,
Mr. Thackeray, and Sir Roderick Murchison.

FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

_June 8th, 1863._

The first event of importance in the public life of the Prince of Wales,
after his marriage, was the taking up the freedom of the City of London,
on the 8th of June, 1863. As far back as the 12th of March the following
resolution had been passed by the Court of Common Council:--

"That His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, be very
respectfully requested to take upon himself the freedom of the City, to
which he is entitled by patrimony; and that upon his acceding to this
request His Royal Highness be presented with the copy of the freedom,
enclosed in a casket, in testimony of the affection and profound respect
entertained by the Court for his person and character."

Having signified his assent to the request, the 8th of June was fixed as
the day when the Prince would come to Guildhall to take up the freedom.
The Lord Mayor and the civic authorities thought that this would be the
fittest time for the official reception of the Prince an