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1845] Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians. WINDSOR CASTLE, 28th January 1845. . . . The feeling of loyalty in this country is happily very strong, and wherever we show ourselves we are most heartily and warmly received, and the civilities and respect shown to us by those we visit is most satisfactory. I mention merely a trifling instance to show how respectful they are—the Duke of Buckingham, who is immensely proud, bringing the cup of coffee after dinner on a waiter to Albert himself. And every- where my dearest Angel receives the respect and honours I receive.

Many thanks for returning the list; it was not Albert but Tatane who made the black crosses. Are not “Les 3 Mousquetaires,” by Dumas, and “Arthur,” by Eugéne Sue, readable for me?

Now adieu, dearest, best Uncle. Ever your truly devoted Niece, Victoria R.

Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel. PAVILION, 10th February 1845. Though the Queen knows that Sir Robert Peel has already turned his attention to the urgent necessity of doing something to Buckingham Palace, the Queen thinks it right to reeommend this subject herself to his serious consideration. Sir Robert is acquainted with the state of the Palace and the total want of accommodation for our little family, which is fast growing up. Any building must necessarily take some years before it can be safely inhabited. If it were to be begun this autumn, it could hardly be occupied before the spring of 1848, when the Prince of Wales would be nearly seven, and the Princess Royal nearly eight years old, and they cannot possibly be kept in the nursery any longer. A provision for this purpose ought, therefore, to be made this year. Independent of this, most parts of the Palace are in a sad state, and will ere long require a further outlay to render them decent for the occupation of the Royal Family or any visitors the Queen may have to receive. A room, capable of containing a larger number of those persons whom the Queen has to invite in the course of the season to balls, concerts, etc., than any of the present

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