QUEEN VICTORIA'S MUNSHI KARIM (Abdul, 1863?-1909, Queen Victoria's Munchi)

Fine unsigned photo in a presentation frame showing him on a horse with Prince Alexander of BATTTENBERG (1st Marquess of Carisbrooke, 1886-1960, Son of Prince Henry and Princess Beatrice, grandson of Queen Victoria) in front of him in the saddle, 7½" x 6" max in an oval, in a gilt mount within a velvet lined (very worn) leather case with a brass closure with the monogram "A.C.C." no place, November

Hafiz Abdul Karim (circa 1863-1909) and Mahomet Bukshh were appointed to Queen Victoria's household on June 23rd, 1887, her Golden Jubilee year. She thought that Karim was so distinguished that she promoted him from the rank of 'Khitmagar', waiter, to that of 'Munshi' or secretary, she got them lessons in English, and they gave her lessons in Hindustani. The Queen even allowed the Munshi's wives be brought over from India and were put up in cottages in Osborne and Balmoral. Presumably the child is one of her grandchildren.

Item Date:  1896

Stock No:  40520