Bidspirit 拍卖 | Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught

Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942), Son of Queen Victoria – Important Mourning Letter on His Mother's Death and Her Commemoration Throughout the Empire, to Sir Francis Reginald Wingate, Referring to the Cairo Memorial Service – Dublin, 1901 - An important and historically significant ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942), son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, written from the Royal Hospital, Dublin, on 27 February 1901, only some five weeks after the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. Written in English on mourning stationery with a broad black border, the letter extends over four autograph pages. Arthur opens: “My dear Reggy” The recipient can be identified with a high degree of probability as General Sir Francis Reginald Wingate (1861–1953), the distinguished British military officer and colonial administrator closely associated with Egypt and the Sudan. A documented connection between Wingate and Prince Arthur exists in the same year, 1901, when Arthur appointed Wingate District Grand Master for Egypt and the Sudan. The principal importance of the letter lies in its deeply personal content concerning the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901. Arthur reflects upon the extraordinary response throughout the British Empire: “The wonderful expression of love & respect shown to the Queen's memory throughout her vast Empire has been most striking…” He then refers specifically to the memorial service and parade held in Cairo: “Your memorial service & Parade in Cairo must have been very fine & touching…” and expresses particular satisfaction that chaplains of all denominations had been invited to participate. The letter was written amid the extraordinary period of mourning that followed Queen Victoria's death. Her funeral took place on 2 February 1901, accompanied by memorial observances throughout the British Empire. The letter concludes with Prince Arthur's autograph signature: “Arthur.” A particularly significant royal manuscript: a personal letter from Queen Victoria's son written only weeks after her death, on black-bordered mourning stationery, reflecting upon the love and respect shown to his mother's memory throughout the Empire and specifically discussing the memorial service held for her in Cairo. Dimensions of each page: 18.4 × 12.1 cm. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, all four of which are written.