They were, in fact, as Bismarck himself told the Crown Prince, not meant to be accepted.

"I would rather dig potatoes than be a reigning Prince under such conditions," said one of the Austrian Ministers.

When they were officially presented, Karolyi was instructed to meet them with an unhesitating negative, and all discussion on them ceased.
Prussia and Austria had both proposed their solution; each State even refused to consider the suggestion made by the other.

Meanwhile, since the departure of the Confederate troops the administration of the Duchies was in their hands; each Power attempted so to manage affairs as to prepare the way for the final settlement it desired, Prussia for annexation, Austria for Augustenburg.

Prince Frederick was still living at Kiel.