CHAPTER XXX

1861

Conservative overtures to Lord Palmerston--Illness of King of Prussia--His death--The absorption of Naples--Garter for new King of Prussia--The Provostship of Eton--Lord John and Garibaldi--Death of Duchess of Kent--Bereavement--The war in America--Recognition of the South--Death of Cavour--Death of Lord Campbell--The new Foreign Office--Earldom for Lord John Russell--Swedish politics--The Emperor Napoleon's aims--At Frogmore--Visit to Ireland--Tranquillity of Ireland--The Orleans Princes--The Prussian Coronation--Fetes at Berlin--_The Times_ and Prussia--Death of King of Portugal--The affair of the _Trent_--The Compiegne interview--An ultimatum--The Prince's last letter--Illness of the Prince--The Crisis--Sympathy--Bereavement--Death of Lady Canning--A noble resolve--Comfort and hope 420-478

INDEX 479-520

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT, AND CHILDREN. _From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace_ _Frontispiece_

H.M. EUGENIE, EMPRESS OF THE FRENCH. _From a miniature by Sir W. K. Ross at Windsor Castle_ _Facing p._ 120

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON, K.G. _From the drawing by Sir George Richmond, R.A., in the possession of the Earl of Carnwath_ " 232

H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES. _From a drawing by F. Winterhalter, 1859_ " 320

H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT, 1861. _From the picture by Smith, after Corbould, at Buckingham Palace_ " 472

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

TO