But in reality, Lady Melbourne was herself one of the illustrious social hostesses of the Whig Party, hosting London political salons for many years, and also serving as an informal royal mistress.
She maintained a close relationship with George IV for many years, though George IV himself never publicly acknowledged the relationship, their affairs were like lice on a bald man's head—everyone could see what was going on. And Lady Melbourne fully utilized this connection, long acting as a middleman in George IV's political circles, smoothing over many matters that were inconvenient for George IV to handle personally, back when he was still a prince.
In return, after ascending to the throne, George IV promoted her husband, Lord Pence, with a noble title—the title of Viscount Melbourne came precisely from this.
