Ebe eaurt.
THE Queen's birthday and the attendant festivities have signalized the week. The natal day itself, Saturday, was passed in more private rejoicings at Clare- mont; where a select party was invited. The Queen was awakened by a band of music under her window. In the evening there was a dinner-party, at which the Dutchess of Kent was present; music adding its sweets to those of the table. On Monday, the Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Prince of Leiningen, with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Alice, came to Bucking- ham Palace; attended in the usual way. The Princess Royal and Prince Alfred were brought to town by the Dowager Lady Lyttelton earlier in the morning. On the same day, the Dutchess of Kent returned to Clarence House. The public celebration of the birthday took place on Tuesday; when the Queen held a drawingroom at St. James's Palace. The Queen and Prince Albert, ac- companied by the Prince of Leiningen, arrived from Buckingham Palace, in the usual state, at two o'clock. Her Majesty received in the Royal closet her august visiters—the Dutchess of Kent, the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, Prince George, the Dutchess of Gloucester, and Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar. The Prelates, headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, were also admitted to the Royal closet, and delivered an address of congratulation. The Queen and Prince Albert then entered the Throne-room, and the presentations took place. The at- tendance was very numerous; two hours having been occupied in setting down the company at the entrances to the Palace. The assemblage displayed the most bril- liant and varied costume; the ladies' dresses being newly made for the occasion. After the drawingrooin, the Queen and the two Princes returned to Buckingham Palace.
[The Cabinet Ministers gave full-dress dinners at their official residences. The Household troops were inspected by Prince Albert, Prince George, the Duke of Wellington, and a brilliant staff, on the Horse Guards Parade. Troops were re- viewed at Woolwich; and the workmen had a holiday. At night, illuminations were very general throughout London.] The Queen gave a dinner-party at Buckingham Palace, on Wednesday, to the Directors of the Ancient Concerts; Prince Albert being the Director for the even- ing. The Dutchess of Kent, the Dutchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and the Duke of Wellington, were present. After the dinner, the Prince repaired with his brother Directors to the Hanover Square Rooms; and the Queen followed, more in state, with the remainder of the guests.
On Thursday, there was a dinner-party given to the Due De Broglie and Sir Stephen Lushington; the negotiators of the Slave-trade Convention between France and Great Britain, signed that day. The Earl of Aberdeen, with Sir Ro- bert and Lady Peel, were also of the party..
The Queen and Prince Albert went to the Haymarket Theatre on Monday; to the French Plays last night.
A deputation of Birmingham operatives was introduced to Prince Albert on Wednesday, by Mr. George Frederick Moats and Mr. Richard Spooner, the Mem- bers for the borough: the object was, to present various specimens of jewellery for the acceptance of the Queen and the Prince, and to state the declining condi- tion of the Birmingham trades, with a prayer for Royal encouragement. The articles for the Queen were, an amulet, a brooch, a pair of ear-rings, and a waist- buckle; all made of gold, and beautifully adorned with enamel and costly jewels. For Prince Albert there was a watch, with chain, seal, and key. The address stated that twenty-two branches of trade had been employed in making the things. The Prince received the deputation and the gifts very graciously.
After an exchange of farewell visits, the Grand Dutchess Stephanie of Baden took her departure from this country on Sunday. At ten o'clock that morning., her Serene Highness, accompanied by Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Duke of Hamilton, and the Marquis and Marchioness of Douglas, repaired to the Tower stairs; where the Chevalier Bunsen, the Prussian Ambassador, had already Ar- rived. The Grand Dutchess, attended by her suite, embarked in the Pnncess Victoria steamer, for Antwerp; whither her Serene Highness goes on a visit to the King and Queen of the Belgians. Her 'distinguished friends returned So the West-end.
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