Her Majesty was much affected, but soon recovered her calmness.
Peel had his first audience at half-past three o'clock.
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE'S OPINION OF THE PRINCE] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _30th August 1841_ (6 P.M.).
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

The announcement has been made in both Houses of Parliament.

A few words were said by Lord Stanley[73] in the House of Commons, and nothing in the House of Lords.
Lord Melbourne cannot satisfy himself without again stating to your Majesty in writing what he had the honour of saying to your Majesty respecting his Royal Highness the Prince.

Lord Melbourne has formed the highest opinion of His Royal Highness's judgment, temper, and discretion, and he cannot but feel a great consolation and security in the reflection that he leaves your Majesty in a situation in which your Majesty has the inestimable advantage of such advice and assistance.

Lord Melbourne feels certain that your Majesty cannot do better than have recourse to it, whenever it is needed, and rely upon it with confidence.
Lord Melbourne will be anxious to hear from your Majesty as to what has passed with Sir R.Peel.Your Majesty will, Lord Melbourne is sure, feel that the same general secrecy which your Majesty has always observed respecting public affairs is more particularly necessary at the present moment.
Lord Melbourne earnestly hopes that your Majesty is well and composed, and with the most anxious wishes for your Majesty's welfare and happiness, remains ever your Majesty's most devoted and attached Servant, and he trusts that he may add, without presumption, your Majesty's faithful and affectionate Friend.
[Footnote 73: Who now became Colonial Secretary.] [Pageheading: THE HOUSEHOLD] _Memorandum: Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ Your Majesty might say, if to your Majesty it seems good, that in consequence of the Addresses voted by both Houses of Parliament, your Majesty's servants had tendered their resignations, and that for the same reason your Majesty had accepted those resignations.