; the three chains are (from top to bottom) the collars of the orders of the Golden Fleece, Bath and Garter
The large audience at Exeter Hall in the Strand waited expectantly for their new young president to give his first speech in Great Britain. There was great excitement in the air because the President of The Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilisation of Africa was the new Prince Consort, Albert, only 20 years old. The audience included many important people, such as the former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel and Disraeli, and several American ladies who passionately opposed slavery, which was still legal in their country.
The young German prince wrote his speech out in German and translated it with his new wife, Queen Victoria's help. He also practised his speech on her. He probably felt that this was his first big test and he was extremely nervous about his English and his public speaking. However, it was an excellent speech, and, as soon as the prince began, the crowd started cheering. They especially liked his words: 'I sincerely trust that this great county, will not relax in its efforts until it has finally and forever put an end to that state of things so repugnant to the principles of Christianity and to the best feelings of our nature….”
Disraeli wrote that: 'All the world has been to Exeter Hall this morning to see Prince Albert in the chair'. Indeed, the prince estimated his audience at the World Anti-Slavery Convention of 1840 to be between five and six thousand people. The young and handsome husband of Queen Victoria certainly made a fine impression.
I can't help wondering, however, whether Prince Albert was as good-looking as Tom Hughes, who plays him in the new series! He certainly looks extremely dashing in the portrait by John Partridge.
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