It is not true that it is universal for the Sovereign to go down upon such occasions.

George III.

went himself in 1784; he did not go in 1807, because he had been prevented from doing so by his infirmities for three years before.

William IV.
went down himself in 1830.[57] Lord Melbourne sends a note which he has received from Lord Normanby upon this and another subject.
[Footnote 55: Who was, of course, associated with the Whig Ministry.] [Footnote 56: Archbishop Vernon Harcourt, of York, the Queen's host.] [Footnote 57: The Queen prorogued Parliament in person on 22nd June.] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th June 1841._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--A few lines I must write to you to express to you my _very great_ delight at the certainty, God willing, of seeing you all _three_ next week, and to express a hope, and a _great hope_, that you will try and arrive a little earlier on Wednesday....

I must again repeat I am so sorry you should come when Society is dispersed and at sixes and sevens, and in such a state that naturally I cannot at the moment of the elections invite many Tories, as that _tells_ so at the elections.