FINDING A NURSE FOR TWO KINGS SOPHIA (Dorothea Ulrike Alice, 1870-1932, Princess of Prussia, daughter of Emperor Friedrich III, wife, 1889, of King Constantine I of Greece)

Long autograph letter signed to 'Dearest Nana', Mrs Mary Ann Wakelin (b. 1837 or 1838, née Conway, from 1886 Mrs William Morter), begging her "not to loose time in looking for a nurse! ... as the old Nana of my husband, is to weak & nervous to continue ... she is so good & kind, but I fear it is killing & she will break down, one of these days!", Princess Sophie can reply "yes or No" by telegram, and encloses "a good adress [not present], where the nurse can get her ticket for crossing out ... I am so glad you liked the photo ... You don't mention Gertrude & John, I hope they are well! With a big hug, your old Sophie", 3 sides 8" x 5" black-edged, Athens, December 30th 1894, modern style

Mrs Wakelin was Nanny from about 1860 to the children of the Crown Prince (later Emperor Friedrich III) and Vicky, till 1879, when she went to look after Princess Charlotte's baby Feo. She remarried in 1886 to William Morter of Hampstead. Her children Gertrude and John came out to Potsdam soon after their mother, and Gertrude in particular struck up a long friendship with Princess Charlotte, who was the same age, and with whom she went to school.
Princess Sophie had written in November asking if Mrs Morter knew of a nurse for her young sons George (II) and Alexander (I), as the current nurse was "most irritable and severe", and it appears her husband's old nurse had stepped in to fill the gap.

Item Date:  1895

Stock No:  53634      £375

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