se.
Thousands of people were in the streets, the houses all gaily
ornamented with flags and boughs of trees. The Duchess, on entering
the house, sent Sir George Conroy to request that the gentlemen of the
committee would come in to receive her thanks for their attention. I
went in among the number, and was introduced. She expressed herself
delighted; the Princess was also much pleased. They had appointed
to-morrow at eleven o'clock to receive the address. About four I again
joined the committee at the head of the pier. Sir William Curtis was
most polite. The Belgian Ambassador, with whom I had dined at N. M.
Rothschild's, was also there, and introduced me to Sir John Conroy.
Soon after five one of the King's steamers entered the harbour with
the King and Queen of the Belgians. Several members of the committee
went on board to welcome them on their arrival, I among the number.
They had had a very rough passage from Calais. The King appeared
greatly altered, looking very old, the Queen is young and pleasant
looking. They proceeded on foot to the Albion Hotel. The town was
handsomely decorated and the principal streets illuminated, but the
wind was so high as to put out most of the lamps."

The next morning at half-past ten Mr Montefiore went to the Town Hall,
and accompanied Sir William Curtis, Mr Warren, Mr Tomson (the Deputy),
Colonel Clarke, and about a dozen more to Albion House, to present to
the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria the address from the
inhabitants and visitors of Ramsgate and its vicinity. They were all
introduced, and were most kindly received by the Royal party. The
Duchess honoured the committee with a gracious reply, which she read.

The committee then returned to the Town Hall, and prepared an address
to the King and Queen of the Belgians, and at one o'clock walked to
the Albion Hotel. They were introduced and very graciously received,
the King speaking to Mr Montefiore and several other members of the
committee. The King read a reply to the Address, and after a few
minutes the Committee withdrew, much gratified with their reception.

Subsequently Mr and Mrs Montefiore attended a ball given by the Master
of the Ceremonies at the Albion Hotel, where they met many
acquaintances. Sir John Conroy was particularly polite to them. Mr
Montefiore offered him the use of the key of his grounds for the
Duchess, which he accepted with pleasure. Accordingly both Mr and Mrs
Montefiore called the next day