24 DECEMBER 1842, Page 2

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THE Queen and Prince Albert remain in the enjoyment of uninter- rupted health and tranquillity at Windsor ; and the Court annals contain no more stirring announcement than the one, that a baron of beef is commanded by her Majesty to be the chief dish at the Royal banquet in the Castle on Christmas-day. A baron which has been chosen weighs nearly 250 pounds, is nearly four feet in length, and upwards of two in width. It will, however, be brought to table cold.

The Queen has walked out with the Prince ; and his Royal High- ness has occasionally sported in the neighbourhood of the Castle. The Duke of Wellington arrived on Tuesday, and departed for Strathfieldsaye on Thursday. Other visitors have been, M. Van de Weyer and Sir Henry Wheatley. The Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz took his de- parture from the Duke of Cambridge's residence at Kew on Thursday, and embarked for Hamburg.

It is now understood to be settled that the Queen does not visit Brighton this year.

The Court Circular makes the usual announcement of the season-

" Her Majesty's Royal bounties were distributed on Monday and Tuesday to upwards of eight hundred poor, old, and distressed persons residing in and about London, who had been previously recommended by the clergy, nobility, and gentry residing in the various parishes. The bounty is limited to persons who are above the age of sixty ; and the exception to the rule is made in favour of the blind and those who are afflicted with severe bodily infirmity. "The Royal Gate Alms to one hundred and sixty-eight persons, each re-

ceiving 13s., were also distributed," •