"[speaking to her family and the entire household in the Durbar Room] I understand there is some concern over my desires on preferment. I understand feelings have run high, and I understand you have decided to resign rather than withstand my decision. If any one of you wishes to tender their resignation? It will be accepted, without any unfortunate consequences. But at least have the decency to do it to my face! Anyone wishing to resign, please step forward. [silence] I would like to inform you that I have decided against awarding any knighthoods at this moment. Instead, you'll be delighted to know that I have decided to make the Munshi a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, as a special token of my personal esteem for his services to the Empire. That is all."