d Princess, and
for an entertainment, worthy of the occasion of the marriage, and of the
ancient hospitality of the City of London. Invitations were accordingly
issued to about two thousand guests to meet the Royal visitors, and the
list included all the most eminent persons in public life or in society,
and the ambassadors and representatives of foreign countries. Immense
and costly preparations were made, both in the decoration of the Hall,
and for the reception of the guests. Shortly after 9 p.m. the sound of
trumpets announced that the Royal party had arrived. The Prince wore his
military uniform, and the Riband and Star of the Garter. The Princess
wore a rich but simple white dress, with coronet and brooch of diamonds,
the wedding present of her husband, and the splendid necklace of
brilliants which the City of London had presented. With them came Prince
Alfred, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Princess Mary of
Cambridge, and other Royal personages, followed by a numerous retinue.
The Royal party were conducted to the dais, in front of which was a
table at which the Lord Mayor (Alderman Rose, M.P.), and the City
officials took their places, and there resolved themselves into a Court
of Common Council. All wore their robes and insignia of office, the
sword and mace laid on the table before the Lord Mayor. The resolution
passed on the 12th of March having been read, and also the official
record of His Royal Highness's title to the freedom, the Prince then
read aloud and afterwards subscribed the following declaration:--

"I, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, do solemnly declare that I will be
good and true to our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria; that I will be
obedient to the Mayor of this City; that I will maintain the franchises
and customs thereof, and will keep this City harmless, in that which in
me is; that I will also keep the Queen's peace in my own person; that I
will know no gatherings nor conspiracies made against the Queen's peace,
but I will warn the Mayor thereof, or hinder it to my power; and that
all these points and articles I will well and truly keep, according to
the laws and customs of this City, to my power.

"ALBERT EDWARD."

Mr. Benjamin Scott, the Chamberlain, then read an address, at the close
of which he offered the right hand of fellowship as a citizen of London,
and presented the gold casket containing the record of the freedom. The
Prince, in reply, said:--

"My Lord Mayor, Mr.