An attractive ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Princess Helena (1846–1923), daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, addressed to her younger sister Princess Beatrice (1857–1944), the youngest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The letter was written at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, on 16 June 1909, on Princess Helena's personal stationery, headed: “CUMBERLAND LODGE, WINDSOR” and bearing the Princess's crowned royal monogram. Helena opens affectionately: “My dear Beatrice” and writes to her sister concerning a personal family matter involving future arrangements. She explains that it is difficult for her to make a definite commitment so many months in advance and asks, if possible, to leave the matter open for the time being, adding that Beatrice should tell her if an earlier decision is required. The letter also refers affectionately to members of the family and the children, and concludes: “I hope you are well, also the children. Always affectionately yrs Helena” The recipient, Princess Beatrice, was Helena's younger sister and the youngest of the nine children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The direct family relationship gives the correspondence an intimate character distinct from Helena's more formal social correspondence. The letter was written from Cumberland Lodge, the royal residence in Windsor Great Park which served for many years as the home of Princess Helena and her husband Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. An appealing piece of intimate royal family correspondence combining the original handwriting and signature of Queen Victoria's daughter, her crowned royal monogram, Cumberland Lodge provenance, and direct personal correspondence between two daughters of Queen Victoria.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art