MARY (of Teck, 1867-1953, Queen of George V)

Autograph letter signed 'Victoria Mary of Teck' to 'Dear Miss Bradshaw' saying that they "should very much like to see you before you leave for Stuttgart, so could you come to White Lodge on Tuesday ... to luncheon. Kindly send me a telegram yes or no to White Lodge whither we return tomorrow ...", 2 sides 8vo., Sandringham, Norfolk headed mourning paper, 7th December

In December 1891, May became engaged to her second cousin once removed, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. The choice of May as bride for the Duke owed much to Queen Victoria's fondness for her, as well as to her strong character and sense of duty. However, Albert Victor died six weeks later, at Sandringham House in Norfolk on 14 January 1892, less than a week after his 28th birthday during the influenza pandemic of 1889–92.
Albert Victor's brother, Prince George, Duke of York, now second in line to the throne, evidently became close to May during their shared period of mourning, and Queen Victoria still favoured May as a suitable candidate to marry a future king. In May 1893, George proposed, and May accepted and she became engaged to the heir to the throne again.
This letter is written when she is still in mourning for her first fiancée.

Item Date:  1892

Stock No:  38844      £275

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