An extensive and visually impressive ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786–1861), mother of Queen Victoria, dated 26 August 1843. The letter comprises four densely written pages in German in the Duchess's own hand, with her signature at the conclusion. Of particular visual interest is the exceptionally attractive illustrated stationery. The first page is headed by a large and finely detailed engraved view of the Duchess of Kent's residence, set within a landscape with trees and water. Beneath the engraving is the printed caption: “The Residence of H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent” The engraved view forms an integral part of the letter paper, with the Duchess's manuscript beginning beneath it and continuing densely over the remaining pages. Written in the Duchess's native German, the letter is lengthy and personal in character, containing references to individuals and family or social matters, including an apparent reference to Albert. Victoria, Duchess of Kent, born Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, was the widow of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, son of King George III, and the mother of Queen Victoria. Following her husband's death in 1820, she became the central figure in the young Victoria's upbringing at Kensington Palace. By the date of this letter in 1843, her daughter had been Queen for six years and had been married since 1840 to Prince Albert, the Duchess's nephew. An unusually attractive royal manuscript combining four densely written autograph pages, the Duchess's signature, a precise 1843 date and exceptional illustrated stationery, of particular interest to collectors of British Royalty, Queen Victoria, autograph manuscripts and 19th-century royal ephemera. The letter is densely written on all four pages of a folded sheet.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art