Chapter V: The First Year of Married Life

Difficulties of the Early Married Life of Prince Albert--His Unpopularity in Certain Quarters--Attempt to Suppress Duelling in the Army--Position of the Prince in the Royal Household--Want of Supervision in the Management of the Palace--Introduction of Reforms, on the Initiative of Prince Albert--Duties Assumed by the Prince--Domestic Life--Post Office Reform--Defective State of the Service previous to 1840--Rowland Hill and the Penny Post--Opposition to the New Scheme--Introduction of the Lower Rate of Postage--General Features and Effects of the Change--Measure for the Protection of Children Employed in Chimney-Sweeping--Attempt of Edward Oxford to Shoot the Queen--Appointment of Prince Albert as Regent under certain Eventualities--Life and Studies at Windsor--Birth of the Princess Royal--Devotion of the Prince to her Majesty--Christmas at Windsor (1840)--Christening of the Princess--Accident to Prince Albert--The Eastern Question: Turkey and Egypt--Removal of the Body of Napoleon I. from St. Helena to Paris--Rise and Development of the Agitation for Free Trade 71