The British Parliament opened with the Queen's Speech in which Queen Victoria, speaking for her government, expressed gratitude for the reception her son received in North America. She then expressed deep regret that differences were dividing the United States saying it was "impossible for me not to look with great concern upon any events which can affect the happiness and welfare of a people nearly allied to my subjects by descent, and closely connected with them by the most intimate and friendly relations." (By John Osborne)