"On the Wednesday evening - that is, the day I saw her Majesty on this particular point - I had the opportunity of conferring with all those whom I proposed to submit to her Majesty as Ministers"

Robert Peel’s words reflect a pivotal moment in the turbulent process of government formation in nineteenth-century Britain. The Wednesday evening he mentions denotes a specific point of political negotiation, not merely a point on the calendar. By detailing the sequence, first, an encounter with the Queen on a particular issue, followed by a consultation with his potential colleagues, Peel reveals the constitutional conventions and personal responsibilities involved in assembling a ministerial cabinet.

Peel emphasizes his methodical approach to statecraft. Before officially presenting names for ministerial office to the monarch ("her Majesty"), he ensures that he has consulted each individual he wishes to nominate. This embodies a respect for both the person of the sovereign and for the autonomy and agency of the ministers themselves. The phrase “opportunity of conferring with all those whom I proposed to submit to her Majesty as Ministers” underlines the fact that ministerial appointments were not merely dictated; rather, they involved consent and acceptance on the part of those invited, a crucial aspect of the evolving parliamentary democracy of the time.

The careful chronology underscores Peel’s sense of responsibility. The Queen’s approval was a constitutional necessity, but so too was the willingness and cohesion of the prospective cabinet. He is at pains to demonstrate propriety in both directions, deference to the monarch and due diligence to his colleagues.

Moreover, Peel’s selection of words like "conferring" suggests active dialogue, negotiation, and assessment of suitability and readiness among his candidates, highlighting the collective and deliberative nature of governance. This passage, then, is not only a procedural account but also a window into the delicate balance of power, responsibility, and consultation characteristic of the period’s political life. Through his actions, Peel models the principles and procedures that would become cornerstones of British constitutional government.