Princess Alice had come over to spend his birthday with the Prince, and remained to help the Princess in nursing H.R.H., who had left London, in the early stage of his illness, for Sandringham. On the 30th I received a letter from the Duke of Edinburgh, at Sandringham, saying he was delighted to give better accounts of his brother. The Queen had just arrived at Sandringham. [Sidenote: Dec.] The news was better of H.R.H. up to the 11th December, when a relapse took place, and his state was considered critical. Constant delirium. [Sidenote: Dec. 11, Journal.] All hope supposed to be at an end. How sad for the nation; what a kind friend I lose. [Sidenote: Dec. 12.] Uppermost in every person’s mind is the state of the Prince of Wales. Prayers in the churches for him, and for the Princess. [Sidenote: Dec. 14.] Hopes revived by telegram of improved state of the Prince. [Sidenote: Dec. 15.] Afternoon telegram confirming improving state of the Prince. Fatal 14th past. [Sidenote: Dec. 19.] Continued improvement of H.R.H. Had a chat with the Duke of Edinburgh at Clarence House. [Sidenote: Dec. 27.] Wrote General Knollys, congratulations to Prince and Princess of Wales on recovery of H.R.H. [Sidenote: 1872. London, Feb. 17.] Fully accoutred in uniform, and the G.C.B. collar, at an early hour to witness the grandest function that has been performed in the largest city of the world, friend Eyre taking me in his brougham. Not liking to risk being late gave up the sight of the route by Strand and Ludgate Hill, but took the less crowded road of new embankment. Seats allotted to the officers of the Navy being the north nave, St. Paul’s Cathedral, was in time to get in the front row and could hardly have been better placed to witness the touching scene of the Queen on the arm of the still limping Prince of Wales, closely attended by the young children and all the rest of the Royal Family. Both the Prince and Duke of Edinburgh recognised me as they passed. Thanksgiving service most impressive: the whole ceremony being a grand success. Queen, on returning by a different route, enabled thousands of others to show their loyalty and affection. Attended evening party, Admiralty House, meeting Duke of Edinburgh. [Sidenote: 1872. Feb. 28.] Wrote name in Prince of Wales’ book. [Sidenote: Aug. 27.] This morning’s post brought letter from Mr. Goschen, announcing his intention of submitting my name to Her Majesty for the command at Devonport. Announced the glad tidings to Prince of Wales and Susan Albemarle. [Sidenote: Devonport, Nov. 1.] Flag hoisted at Devonport. Heard the salutes while dressing. Donned the old uniform that had last done duty in China. [Sidenote: Sunday, Dec. 1.] On my way from church I met the Duke of Grafton in sad distress. His Grace, with his invalid Duchess, had arrived the previous evening at Lord Mount Edgcumbe’s winter villa, situated by the sea, but sheltered from everything but the sun.