The Prince of Wales's maiden speech.
On the 2d instant the annual dinner was given by the Royal Academy,
the Prince being among the guests.
When his health was toasted he made his maiden speech, thus reported in the journals.
His Royal Highness the
Prince of
Wales who spoke evidently under deep emotion, but in a peculiarly clear and pleasing tone of voice, and with great impressiveness of manner; said:
‘
"
Sir Charles Eastlake, your Royal High nesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen — It is with the most contending feelings of pleasure, pride and sorrow, that I rise to return 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. [Cheers.] I can not, on this occasion, divert 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.
[Loud cheers.] And whatever my short comings 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, [cheers.] but more especially in the prosperity of the Royal Academy.
[Loud cheers.] 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.
[Loud cheers.] I know that I am only speaking her mind in joining her thoughts to mine on this occasion.
[Loud cheers.] We, neither of us, can ever forget the manner in which our union has been celebrated throughout the nation, [cheers,] 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.
[Loud and continued cheering.]"
’
