5 SEPTEMBER 1846, Page 2

TEbt TOM

A rural fete in honour of Prince Albert's birthday was given by the Queen on Saturday; the recipients being the labourers and workmen, with their wives and families, employed on the estate of Osborne. The following pleasing details are taken from the Court Circular- " A large tent was erected in the park in front of the house, ornamented with flags; and the band of the SevenV-fourth Regiment played. At three o'clock, 270 persons sat down to a substantial dinner; and after having well regaled themselves, amusements in all variety were carried on till half-past seven o'clock. The music played merrily to the dancing, and country-dances succeeded each other rapidly. A match was played at cricket; for which her Majesty gave a prize. Boys and men ran in sacks; and prizes were also awarded for running-matches, hopping- matches, hurdle-races, quoits, catch the man with the bell,' and other sports, which afforded equal enjoyment to those who took part in them and to those who were spectators. Her Majesty, the Prince Consort, and the juvenile members of the Royal Family, were present throughout; and seemed thoroughly to enter into the games, and enjoy the power of affording so mach innocent satisfaction to so many of their dependents."

On Monday, the Queen Dowager, accompanied by the Princess of Prus- sia, arrived at Osborne House, on a short visit to the Queen. The party arrived after one o'clock; and, after partaking of luncheon, proceeded to Gosport; where they were conducted on board the Victory, and shown the memorable spots rendered sacred by their associations with the fall and death of Nelson. In the evening, the Queen Dowager and the Princess returned to town.

The Queen, Prince Albert, and the two elder children, took another ex- cursion to sea, in the Victoria and Albert yacht, on Wednesday morning; steering in the direction of the Channel Islands, Jersey being the object of the trip. The Black Eagle, the Fairy, and the Garland steamers, accom- panied the principal yacht. On Tuesday, Lord John Russell arrived at Osborne House on a visit to the Queen; and took his departure on the following day.