Mansion House Dinner

This item is a copy of Prince Albert's speech at the Mansion House dinner held on 21 March 1850 and hosted by the Mayor of London. The event helped Commissioners build up a network of financial support for the Exhibition. This copy of the speech is written by Prince Albert and he has underlined words for emphasis and crossed out and added others. The Prince conveyed an inspirational message and stated that,

…we are living at a period of most wonderful transition, which tends rapidly to accomplish that great end, to which all history points – the realisation of the unity of mankind.

It was reported in the press the next day that the speech had been well received and individuals wrote to both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert congratulating them on his success.