A particularly personal autograph letter entirely written and signed “V” by Queen Victoria (1819–1901) to Katherine Bruce, a member of the Queen's close royal household. The letter is written on Osborne royal stationery, surrounded by a broad black mourning border. Victoria addresses the recipient personally: “Dear Katherine” and asks her to copy another letter which the Queen explicitly describes as: “this very confidential letter.” The Queen additionally gives Katherine a specific instruction concerning the wording, requesting the use of the word “fearful.” The note provides an intimate glimpse into the private workings of Queen Victoria's household and, particularly, the degree of trust placed in Katherine Bruce: she was being asked personally by the Queen to handle and copy correspondence that Victoria herself described as “very confidential.” The letter concludes with the notably warm and personal: “Ever yours affectionately” followed by Queen Victoria's abbreviated autograph signature: “V.” Contemporary records document Katherine Bruce within Queen Victoria's circle, including correspondence with the Queen and references to her among members of the royal entourage. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, with one page written entirely in Queen Victoria's hand and the remaining three pages blank. An intimate and appealing piece of royal correspondence combining Queen Victoria's autograph handwriting and “V” signature, the personal salutation “Dear Katherine, ” the striking phrase “very confidential letter, ” the affectionate closing, and Osborne royal mourning stationery.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art