An early ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Prince George (1819–1904), later 2nd Duke of Cambridge, grandson of King George III and first cousin of Queen Victoria. Written from St. James’s Palace and dated 19 March 1842, when Prince George was only twenty-two years old, many years before his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. The letter is addressed: “My dear Lord Robert.” The recipient is Lord Robert Grosvenor (1801–1893), later 1st Baron Ebury. The letter concerns a royal ball and the arrangements surrounding the event. George replies to information received from Lord Robert and refers directly to Queen Victoria having fixed the date of the ball, while discussing the arrangements and their effect upon his own participation. Among the passages visible in the manuscript are references to: “The Queen has fixed May 26th as the day on which the ball is to be given…” and to: “…the form of arrangements…” George asks to be kept informed as the arrangements become clearer. The letter concludes affectionately: “Yours most sincerely George” with his large autograph signature “George.” Prince George was the son of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge and grandson of King George III. He succeeded as Duke of Cambridge in 1850 and became Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in 1856, remaining at the head of the Army until 1895. An appealing early royal manuscript documenting court life and preparations for a royal ball during the early reign of Queen Victoria, written by a young grandson of King George III.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art