There were outcries and complaints; the Prince was accused of meddling, of injustice, and of saving candle-ends; but he held on his course, and before long the admirable administration of the royal household was recognised as a convincing proof of his perseverance and capacity.
At the same time his activity was increasing enormously in a more important sphere.

He had become the Queen's Private Secretary, her confidential adviser, her second self.

He was now always present at her interviews with Ministers.

He took, like the Queen, a special interest in foreign policy; but there was no public question in which his influence was not felt.

A double process was at work; while Victoria fell more and more absolutely under his intellectual predominance, he, simultaneously, grew more and more completely absorbed by the machinery of high politics--the incessant and multifarious business of a great State.