MARY ADELAIDE (Duchess of Teck, 1833-1897, Queen Mary's Mother)

Autograph letter signed to 'My Dear Duke, thanking him for the "Craw fish which my mother feasted upon, as we were, unluckily, away all last week, having only returned from ... yesterday. May I indulge the hope that in the course of the coming fortnight, you may be so very kindly disposed as to repeat your gift as I do not dare to eat craw fish by proxy? We leave home again on the 20th for a few days ... with repeated gratitude for your kind attention ...", 2 sides 8vo, White Lodge, Richmond Park headed paper, 6th August

Mary Adelaide was still unmarried when she turned 30. Her large girth (earning her the disparaging epithet of "Fat Mary") and lack of income were contributing factors, as was her advanced age. However, her royal rank prevented her from marrying someone not of royal blood. Her cousin, Queen Victoria, took pity on her and attempted to arrange pairings. Eventually a suitable candidate was found in Württemberg, Prince Francis of Teck. The couple were married on 12th June 1866 at St. Anne's Church, Kew, Surrey and their first child, Princess Victoria Mary of Teck was born on 26th May the following year. She later married Prince George, Duke of York and finally became Queen Mary.

Item Date:  1872

Stock No:  41056      £150

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