Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837; George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830
'_July 27._--About eight o'clock yesterday evening, an open barouche,
with four horses, halted for a few minutes nearly opposite to the
Pavilion, and, shortly afterwards, it was ascertained that the carriage
contained the Princess Charlotte of Wales. The carriage at length moved
for the Buff and Blue houses, and, afterwards, down the North and
South Parades, followed by an immense confluence of people, anxious to
obtain a view of the interesting blossom of royalty. As if to gratify
the populace, the carriage moved but slowly, and, on the North Parade,
it again halted for a few moments. Her Royal Highness was habited in
a very plain and simple style, white frock and slouch straw hat. She
appeared in charming health, and much pleased with the respectful
notice she obtained. Her extreme likeness to her Royal parent was
loudly spoken of, and, on that subject, there could be but one opinion.
Her Royal Highness, prior to her arrival here, yesterday, had paid a
visit to Lewes. She returned from hence to Worthing.'
The Prince liked to spend his birthdays at Brighton, and 1807 was no
exception. Here is a contemporary account of the festivities:
'_Aug. 12._--His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's birthday
was announced, this morning, by the ringing of bells, and every
demonstration of joy: colours were hoisted on the church. The gun
brig, the Strenuous, and Earl Craven's boat, were dressed in national
colours, and placed in a situation to be seen from the Pavilion. By
eight o'clock, the whole town was in motion, the Marine Parade was
lined with company, the balconies were full of beauty and fashion, and
all the telescopes were in use. At ten o'clock, the gun brig fired
a royal salute, which was answered by Earl Craven's boat. His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales's band, in full uniform, played on the
lawn in front of the Pavilion; and, on the outside of the railing, the
carriages formed a complete line, the ladies sitting on the boxes,
surrounded by a vast number of gentlemen on horseback, viewing the lawn
in front of the Pavilion, where all the Royal Dukes were walking.
'At eleven o'clock, her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales
arrived at the Pavilion from Worthing, in one of her Royal father's
carriages, drawn by four beautiful bays. Her Royal Highness was dressed
in white muslin, trimmed with point lace, Vandyked at the edges, and
wore a Leghorn gipsy hat, with wreaths of small roses round the edge
of the leaf, and a second row round the crown. Her Royal Highness
looked most charmingly, and was received at the grand entrance by her
Royal father and uncles, who conducted her to the Chinese apartment,
with which she appeared greatly delighted. The Pavilion was surrounded
on all sides by a most numerous concourse of spectators, who waited
anxiously to see the Royal party proceed to the ground, where the
grand review was to take place.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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