An important autograph letter written and signed by Queen Victoria (1819–1901) to Henry Hardinge, 1st Viscount Hardinge (1785–1856), Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, concerning the designation of the 33rd Regiment of Foot – The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Written from Buckingham Palace on 3 April 1855, during the Crimean War, on distinctive royal stationery headed with the Queen’s crowned monogram and “Buckingham Palace” in silver embossing. Writing in the formal royal third-person style, Victoria states that she has signed the papers submitted to her with the exception of the proposal making the 33rd a “Royal Regiment.” The Queen explains her objection to granting the regiment the additional distinction of “Royal”, observing that numerous regiments already possessed that designation, and instead suggests that the 33rd might receive another form of distinction, including distinctive regimental facings. The 33rd had a particularly important association with Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852). In 1853 Queen Victoria had formally approved the designation “The 33rd (or The Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment”, together with the use of Wellington’s crest and motto. The historical importance of the present letter is confirmed by the regiment’s own records. Only four days later, on 7 April 1855, General Henry D’Oyly, Colonel of the 33rd, was officially informed that Her Majesty considered the title “Royal” incompatible with the existing designation “The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, ” while permitting a recommendation for a distinctive colour for the regiment’s facings. The present letter therefore appears to record Queen Victoria’s personal decision underlying the formal military communication issued four days later. A significant piece of Victorian royal and military history combining Queen Victoria’s autograph handwriting and signature, Lord Hardinge as Commander-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, the 33rd Regiment, the Crimean War, and a documented royal decision concerning the historic identity of the regiment. Dimensions of each page: 11 × 17.7 cm. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, three of which are written in Queen Victoria’s hand, with the fourth page blank.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art