Bidspirit 拍卖 | Prince Arthur, Son of Queen

Prince Arthur, Son of Queen Victoria – Early Autograph Letter Written at the Age of 13, Signed “Arthur”, with Original Mourning Envelope Also Signed in His Hand – Ranger’s House, Greenwich, 1863 - An early autograph letter signed by Prince Arthur (1850–1942), third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, later Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, addressed to Miss H. Hildyard (“Tilla”), former governess and long-standing confidante of the British Royal Family. Written at Ranger’s House, Greenwich, on 18 November 1863, when Prince Arthur was only thirteen years old, on royal stationery with a black mourning border and his personal crowned monogram. Arthur addresses Hildyard affectionately as “My dear Tilla, ” thanks her for her kind letter and remarks that he was pleased to see her sisters looking well. He then expresses sorrow concerning news about Albert Grey, asking that if Hildyard sees Mrs Grey, she should convey how sorry he is. Albert Grey (1851–1917), later 4th Earl Grey and Governor General of Canada (1904–1911), who was then a boy of approximately twelve and belonged to a family closely connected with Queen Victoria’s court. His mother, Caroline Eliza Grey, served in the Queen’s household, while his father, General Charles Grey, was Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. Of additional interest, the Grey family papers preserve a document entitled “Progress of Albert’s Illness, ” dated April 1863, only several months before the present letter, providing a possible context for Arthur’s concerned reference. The passage provides an intimate glimpse into the young Prince’s personal correspondence with a trusted member of the Royal Family’s circle. Arthur also comments on the mild weather at Greenwich, asks Hildyard to give his love “to all at Windsor, ” and expresses the hope of seeing her on Saturday. The letter concludes: “Hoping to see you on Saturday / I remain ever / Yours affectionately / Arthur” and is clearly signed “Arthur.” The letter dates from the period of the Royal Family’s prolonged mourning following the death of Arthur’s father, Prince Albert, in December 1861. The black mourning borders to both the stationery and envelope provide a striking visual association with this important period in the lives of Queen Victoria and her children. Accompanied by the original mourning envelope, also bearing Prince Arthur’s crowned monogram, addressed to: Miss Hildyard / Windsor Castle and retaining a British One Penny Red postage stamp, a London S.E. cancellation dated 19 November 1863, and a Windsor arrival mark of the same date, the day following the letter. Of particular interest, Prince Arthur has additionally written “Arthur” at the lower left of the envelope, giving the item both his full signature at the conclusion of the letter and an additional autograph signature/identification on the original postal cover. The envelope also bears early pencil identification notes by a former collector or owner. Provenance: From a documented historical collection of 22 original letters by members of Queen Victoria’s family, addressed to Miss Hildyard, governess and confidante of the Royal Family. The collection was sold in 1947 by Elkin Mathews Ltd., London, to Dr. L. O. Meredith, Cambridge, Maryland, USA. Dimensions: Each page approx. 11.5 × 18 cm. The letter comprises 4 pages, 3 of which are handwritten by Prince Arthur, concluding with his full signature “Arthur.” Original envelope approx. 7.2 × 12.3 cm, addressed to Miss Hildyard at Windsor Castle, retaining a Penny Red postage stamp, postal markings, mourning border and crowned monogram; the envelope is additionally signed/inscribed “Arthur” in the Prince’s own hand.