A RARE LETTER FROM THE MAHARAJA OF LAHORE DULEEP SINGH (1837-1893, Maharajah of Lahore from 1843 to 1849)

Autograph Letter Signed ‘Duleep Singh’ to “Col. Oliphant” saying that he has “this moment received an invitation from Windsort for Thursday the 11th.. therefore will you come on Monday the 15th...”, 1 side 8vo., Claridge’s Hotel headed paper, no date, watermarked

Duleep Singh arrived in England in late 1854 and was introduced to the British court. Queen Victoria showered affection upon the turbaned Maharaja, as did the Prince Consort. Duleep Singh was initially lodged at Claridge's Hotel in London before the East India Company took over a house in Wimbledon and then eventually another house in Roehampton which became his home for three years. He was also invited by the Queen to stay with the Royal Family at Osborne, where she sketched him playing with her children and Prince Albert photographed him, while the court artist, Winterhalter, made his portrait. He eventually got bored with Roehampton and expressed a wish to go back to India but it was suggested by the East India Company Board he take a tour of the European continent which he did with Sir John Spencer Login and Lady Login. He was a member of the Photographic Society, later the Royal Photographic Society, from 1855 until his death.

Item Date:  1857

Stock No:  42369      £2250

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