Zbc The ceremony of presenting the freedom of the City
of London to Prince Albert took place yesterday, in Guildhall, which had been fitted up for the occasion. Great fears had been entertained on Thursday that the ceremony would not take place; for, after the accounts received at Windsor on Thursday of the alarming state of the Princess Augusta, Prince Albert wrote to the Lord Mayor, entirely postponing his in- tended visit to the City, und also to the Fishmongers Company. 'It was only on the urgent remonstrance of the Lord Mayor, who went down late in the evening to Windsor Castle, with an improved account of the state of the Princess, that his Royal Highness was induced to make some sacrifice of feeling, in attending the ceremonial part, and giving up the banquet." Yesterday afternoon at five o'clock, the Prince arrived at the Guild- hall ; where the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and a number of Common Councihnen, were assembled to receive him. The Prince was conducted to the Council-chamber ; where the Lord Mayor introduced his Royal Highness to the Lady Mayoress and the ladies of several of the Alder- men. Front the Council-chamber the Prince walked with the Lord Mayor, preceded by the City Officers, and followed by the Sheriffs and Aldermen, to the platform in the hall ; the baud playing " God save the Queen," and the company applauding and waving handkerchiefs. His Royal Highness stood at the right handof the Lord Mayor ; and
the proceeding commenced by reading the resolution of the Conunon Council for presenting Prince Albert with the freedom of the City. The names of six A Iderineu and Common Councilmen who under- took to vouch for the eligibility of the Prince, and their declaration upon oath, were then read. The oath was as follows-
" We declare, upon the oath we took at the time of our adini,sion to the
freedom of the city, that Prince Albert is or good name and litate; that lie does not desire the freedom or this City whereby to defraud the Queen or thiS city of any of their rights, customs, or advantages; but that lie will pay his scot mid bear his lot ; and so we all say."
The Chamberlain then proposed to the Prince the freeman's oath, which we published last week ; and it is remarked that the Prince was " evidently moved at that part where he swore to keep the peace towards her Majesty." After the oath had been administered, the Chamberlain addressed his Royal Highness as follows- " Sir—In recording the vote of the Lord Mayor, Alderman, and Common Council, conferring upon your Royal Highness the freedom of this ancient city, it has been my pleasing duty to inscribe your name on the roll of her citizens, in company with kings and princes, statesmen and herevs, patriots
and philosophers, who at various periods of our history have rereivdeeds7aotillo:i hands of the Corporation of London this distinguishing mark of their h- mid regard. In your Royal Highness we recognize an illustrious of the Saxon race, to whom this country is so largely indebted for tbaseell* of civil and religious freedom, which, modified and improved by the a, (11011 perience, have secured to this highly-favoured land a state of indilvial happiness and national prosperity to which no other country has vet onside That the auspicious alliance of your Royal Highness with our beloved ilk; may consolidate and extend fluus! taco:lugs through the peaceful and pro pt-4 OUS reign of her 'Majesty, and your mutual prosperity, is the ardent hopes-a„r). will 'brill the constant prayer, or every loyal subject of the Brit I luCedthi'd"" Prince Albert theta read tine following answer, very distinetly''sig audibly- " It is with the greatest pleasure that I meet you upon this occasion bi offer you my warmest thanks fur the honour which has been conterredIL- me by the presentation or the freedom of the city of London. The wealth; intelligence of this vast city have raised it to the highest sminence am — the cities of the world ; and it must, therefore, ever be estsemed it pest thiction to be numbered amongst the members of your ancient corporation I shall always remember with pride and satistiletion the day on which 1 heiltme your fellow-citizen ; and it is especially gratifying to me as marking puloy- alty and affection to the Queen."
company, from the Guildhall, and accompanied the Lord Mayor, in hh Lordship's state-carriage, to the Mansionhouse ; where he partook of rerre»Innent, and expressed the great delight he felt at
At six o'clock his Royal Highness retired, amidst the ado: circumstances of his reception. His Royal Highness expressed be regret that he was unable to avail himself of the pleasure of' dining with his Lordship; and took his leave, declaring that he rejoiced S shaking his worthy fellow-citizen by the band.
Though Prince Albert had declined to be present at the subsequent festivities at the Mansionhouse, the banquet took place, and was relished as much its if it had been honoured with his presence. The Dukeot Cambridge was among the distinguished guests. The Lord Mayor proposing the health of the new freeman, said that his Royal Highsee had expressed the highest gratification at the proceedings of the day, and would avail himself of an early opportunity of testifying his seed of the kindness of his fellow-citizens on another occasion.
The Duke of Cambridge returned thanks for the enthusiasm eith which the toast was received-
" The illustrious Prince wits not present at the banquet, and his absencesn a disappointment to many ; but he (the Duke of Cambridge) could secant for it, and he thought that every one of the company would admit the validity of the excuse. In filet, Prince Albert had lately married a very tine girl, Rd they were, somehow or other, very fond of each other's society." (LawAkt dad 111111401st, (gimping.)
The City reporter for the morning papers says the dinner "consisted of every delicacy that money could procure. The turtle-soup and the venison exceeded the expectation created by the Lord Mayor's promise to the Corporation that he would astonish even the members of the Court of CO111111011 COUllea."
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