Tuesday 12th November

'Royal Progress' Book—

Her Majesty and Prince Albert arrived at Burghley House at half-past four o'clock in the afternoon, and were received by the noble Marquis and Marchioness. Her Majesty saluted the Marchioness very affectionately, and was immediately conducted by her noble host and hostess to her private apartments. The Marquis of Exeter arrived nearly three-quarters of an hour in advance, having, after leaving her Majesty at Weedon, proceeded at a rapid pace, in order to be in time to receive her Majesty at Burghley.
Altogether this reception of the Queen in Northamptonshire was as gratifying as any her Majesty had experienced in her different progresses. Nothing could exceed the loyalty of her people: even the unfavourable state of the weather, did not deter them from assembling, although, of course, they were not in such numbers as they would otherwise have been.

Wednesday 13th November

Lady Sophia—

Her Majesty appeared to enjoy her very substantial Luncheon of Soup, Beef, Partridge & do & do & do. On account of the wet day the Queen did not go out but Her Majesty, the Prince, Lord & Lady Exeter, the Children, Lady Willoughby, Lady Middleton, Mrs Spencer and Lady S. Cecil walked thro' all the rooms. The Queen and Prince seemed to admire the pictures very much. In passing through the Blue Dressing Room (occupied by the Duke of Rutland) Her Majesty appeared to be much amused at something, which turned out to be ‘His Grace's Wig & Whiskers upon a block.’

'Royal Progress' Book—

The ceremony of christening the infant daughter of the Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter, took place in the evening at six o'clock, and was performed by the Bishop of Peterborough, assisted by the Rev. H. Atley, the sponsors being His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Hon. Lady Middleton, and Lady Sophia Cecil. Her Majesty, who attended at the ceremony, and occupied the seat in which it is stated Queen Elizabeth usually sat when attending Divine service at Burghley, appeared to be very much interested, and, on the conclusion of the service, kissed the godchild of her Royal Consort. The infant, which was named after Queen Victoria, was dressed in a white satin slip, over which was white muslin, trimmed with elegant point lace; her cap being also of silk, which was likewise trimmed with point lace. Immediately after the ceremony, Prince Albert presented to his little goddaughter a handsome gold cup and cover. This cup stands about fifteen inches high, bearing a crown on the top; the sides are ornamented with figures of Cupid bearing cymbals, and the whole elaborately chased. This work of art bears the following inscription in the three compartments into which it is divided:—

• TO THE LADY VICTORIA CECIL ¦
• FROM HER GODFATHER ALBERT ¦
• BURGHLEY, NOVEMBER, 13TH. 1844.

Thursday 14th November

Lady Sophia—

In the afternoon, the Queen and Prince planted each a tree in Burghley park — her Majesty a lime, and his Royal Highness an oak. The Queen's tree was set near to a great lime which had been planted by Queen Elizabeth, on the occasion of her visit to Burghley.

*   *   *

The Queen took hold of the tree, & used a small spade.

Friday 15th November

Lady Sophia—

The company also followed to the North Entrance Door to witness the Royal Departure.
The Queen embraced Lady Exeter again the last thing at the door. Lord Exeter rode to Weldon & then went on in his carriage to the Rail Road Station at Weedon. Lord Burghley and Lord Thomas Cecil rode as far as Weldon.
During the whole time the Queen & Prince appeared much pleased, & everything went off with the greatest success.

'Royal Progress' Book—

It was, we believe, her Majesty's intention to continue her journey with all possible despatch; but one of the carriages, containing some members of the suite, having been delayed by the heaviness of the roads, her Majesty was desirous of not leaving Weedon without them. Her Majesty remained at the station till a quarter to three o'clock, when the missing carriage not having arrived, her Majesty was pleased to signify the intention to proceed. At this moment the carriage arrived, and at a few minutes to three o'clock her Majesty and the Prince left the state apartment for the royal carriage, accompanied by the Marquis of Exeter. Immediately her Majesty and the Prince made their appearance within the station they were enthusiastically received by the company there assembled.

Saturday 16th November

Lady Portman—

I have received the Queen's commands this morning to write to you to tell you that Her Majesty and the Prince had a safe and prosperous journey here yesterday and arrived about 7 o'clock. Her Majesty and the Prince were a good deal tired but are quite well today. As Her Majesty did not arrive at the station in Euston Square until nearly an hour after the time that she was expected there was some anxiety felt lest some accident had happened. Her Majesty was received with local cheers by a large crowd which had collected.

* * *

I inform you that Her Majesty and the Prince speak of their visit to Burghley with great pleasure which we all enjoyed exceedingly.