William IV.

had lived so much aloof from politics before his accession, that he had had then no very pronounced opinions, though he was believed to be in favour of the Reform Bill; during his reign his Tory sympathies became more pronounced, and the position of the Whig Ministry was almost an intolerable one.

His other brothers were men of decided views, and for the most part of high social gifts.

They not only attended debates in the House of Peers, but spoke with emotion and vigour; they held political interviews with leading statesmen, and considered themselves entitled, not to over-rule political movements, but to take the part in them to which their strong convictions prompted them.

They were particularly prominent in the debates on the Catholic question, and did not hesitate to express their views with an energy that was often embarrassing.