VICTORIA (1819-1901, Queen of Great Britain)

Final pages of three unsigned Autograph formal Letters in the third person to her son Prince Leopold's physician Arnold Royle discussing his health, in one he says "It is much to be regretted that Leopd. went to see Sir Wm. The world knows how delicate he is & it will do him harm morally in the eyes of the public if he wishes to deceive them with his health ...", she further discusses the arrangements for various doctors, including Reid and Hoffmeister, to be in attendance on Prince Leopold, 4 sides 8vo, on black edged mourning paper, 2 with her monogram at the head, together with the received copy or a Post Office telegraph sent from the Queen at Osborne asking "How are Mrs Royle and baby. Who are other sponsors. When is Christening. Would Victoria Helen suit as names ...", 1 side 4to., on printed form, Osborne, 18th August the telegram with small tears at bottom edge

Arnold Royle, who was the Prince's personal physician from 1876 until the Prince's death from a cerebral haemorrhage in 1884, found himself caught between his strong-willed patient, determined to live an active life, and his equally strong-willed mother. Furthermore, the Queen evidently had somewhat limited faith in Royle and constantly wished him to defer to her favoured physician, Sir William Jenner. Eventually, however, the medical skill and diplomatic aplomb with which Royle carried out his duties did gain acknowledgement from the Queen, who appointed him a Groom of the Privy Chamber in November 1884, some months after Prince Leopold's death.

Item Date:  1884

Stock No:  40570      £275

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