THYRA (Louise Caroline Amalie Augusta Elisabeth, 1880-1945, 3rd daughter of Frederik VIII, 1869-1912, from 1906 King of Denmark)

Charming Wartime Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs Melchior, thanking her for "the photo's [sic] your daughter had taken during our delightful afternoon with you all. Dagmar" (1890-1961, her younger sister, wife, 1922, of Jørgen Castenskjold, (1893-1978), Royal Danish Court Chamberlain) "& I send you these enclosed photo's which we took of you that memorable day, We trust you will give them to yr two children & yr husband from us. It was exceedingly amusing to see where I flirted with your husband trying in that way to persuade you to join our little group - but you were firm! We were exceedingly lucky as it has been pouring with rain almost ever since ..." she hopes that things are improving with her "poor wounded relatives - & that the good news may come one day for everybody ...", 3 sides 8vo., Charlottenlund Slot, 5th August damaged on left hand edge by former mounting, some creasing on the top edge

The writer's signature resembles that of her Aunt Thyra, Duchess of Cumberland, but the 'y' is narrower and the 'r' rounder. Her brother Christian X was now King. Of her sisters, she mentions only Dagmar, their two much older sisters having married.
The Melchiors were an old Jewish family, long settled in Copenhagen. They were patrons of the arts, especially music, and in a previous generation had welcomed Hans Christian Andersen to stay with them as his home.
Denmark was able to convince both Germany and Great Britain of her neutrality by informing both sides of any measures taken affecting them, such as her laying protective mines in Danish waters. But many Danes had relatives or property in Germany, especially since North Slesvig and its large Danish majority was still annexed to Germany (only returned in 1920). Aunt Thyra in Austria was now the mother-in-law of the Kaiser's only daughter. For many, being 'very neutral' required great will-power.

Item Date:  1915

Stock No:  30011      £250

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