MARY, PRINCESS. (1867-1953). Queen Consort of George V, Empress of Indian and Queen of Ireland. Autograph Letter Signed, “Mary,” on White Lodge Richmond Park black-bordered mourning stationary. Four pages, octavo. No place. February 4, 1892. Accompanied by an envelope addressed in Mary’s hand to “Mrs. Frank Bevan. 59 Prince’s Gate London S.W.” With purple “One Penny” stamp an circular LONDON postal cancellation Mary writes:
“Dear Mrs. Bevan Your beautiful present was just going to be sent back when your letter reached me. No words can saw how much touched I am at your and Mr. Bevan’s kindness in wishing me to keep the lovely silver basket. I shall ever treasure it as token of your affection and sympathy towards me. Please accept my warmest & most heartfelt thanks – I know how much your thoughts have been with me during this terrible time. Mlle Bricka showed me your touching letters and I can only ask you to continue praying for me, that God may give me His strength. After our returned from Osborune on the 15th we hope you will drive down to see us. Kindly remember me to Mr. Bevan & believe me dear Mrs. Bevan Yrs. very sincerely Mary”
An intelligent young women greatly favored by Queen Victoria, Mary of Teck was betrothed to the Prince Albert, the eldest son the Prince of Wales in late 1891. Tragically, Albert died just six weeks later, a victim of the influenza pandemic that swept across Britain in the winter of 1891-2. Despite this painful loss, Queen Victoria still favored Mary of Teck as a candidate to marry a future King, and Albert’s brother, Prince George, evidently became close to Mary during their shared period of mourning. In May of 1893, George proposed, and Mary accepted, marking the start of a successful, loving marriage that bore six children.
$450.00