ALS in German, signed “Victoria R.I.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 9, royal crested letterhead, June 13, 1842. Letter to King Frederick William IV of Prussia, in part (translated): "This letter will be handed to Your Majesty by Lord Hardwicke who is flattered and happy, and rightfully so—to be permitted to accompany you to Russia. Complying with your request you will shortly receive my portrait and a centerpiece (Saint George & the Dragon) as a souvenir of your kind visit, which will always be a happy remembrance to me. I am having a pleasant time in the company of my dear Uncle Mensdorff who has been here for some weeks with his four sons. Already in a few days I will have the pleasure of expecting to see my Uncle Leopold and Aunt Louise, and at the beginning of next month Ernst will introduce the new sister [i.e. his new wife] to us and we are looking forward to making her acquaintance. Thus I am much obliged, in every respect to thank heaven not only for its kind protection during the recent danger but also for letting me find ways amidst my family to gain strength against the influence of serious circumstances and depression. I beg Your Majesty may kindly remember me to the dear Queen most cordially. With best wishes that your journey be a pleasant and successful one." In fine condition.
Three serious attempts on the young queen's life had been made during May and June 1842, hence her reference to "the recent danger." Meanwhile, Great Britain was afflicted with a series of foreign entanglements—although the First Opium War was winding down with British victory, the nation was losing the First Anglo-Afghan War. There was also a considerable amount of domestic labor unrest and rioting. Although he was not a blood-relative of the queen's, Frederick William's position as king of the most important Protestant country in Europe entitled him to be a sponsor at the Prince of Wales's christening in 1842. Charles Philip Yorke, 4th Earl of Hardwicke and lord-in-waiting, was chosen as an attendant to Frederick William during his two-week visit to England. "Uncle Mensdorff" was the husband of the Duchess of Kent's sister Sophie, and "Uncle Leopold and Aunt Louise" were King Leopold II of Belgium and his wife Louise, daughter of Louis Philippe of France. "Ernst" is probably Prince Consort Albert's brother, Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. An interesting piece of royal correspondence from early in Victoria's famously lengthy reign.
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