Lot 225 , ROYALTY - VICTORIA, PRINCESS ROYAL, later Empress Frederick of Germany and Queen of Prussia. Group of over 30 autograph letters including 26 signed variously ('Victoria Crown Princess and Princess Royal', 'V. Empress Fre

ROYALTY - VICTORIA, PRINCESS ROYAL, later Empress Frederick of Germany and Queen of Prussia. Group of over 30 autograph letters including 26 signed variously ('Victoria Crown Princess and Princess Royal', 'V. Empress Frederick', 'Vicky') to her lifelong friend Lady Horatia Erskine (née Seymour). In addition three telegrams sent from Victoria, Princess Royal in 1890's, five further letters relating to the Princess from her staff, two letters from Princess Helena (her younger sister) and one further unidentifiable letter on black edged note paper sent on board a steamship. The letters cover a wide correspondence spanning over fifty years, speaking in very personal terms and touching on many subjects including English and European politics ("The Medals to the soldiers who have been in the Crimea - some of them very badly wounded"), Royal life and later the death of her husband in Germany. Headed note paper includes Buckingham Palace, Osbourne House, Windsor Castle and German Royal residences.

Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901), eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, a favourite of her father. She was married at 17 to Prince Frederick of Prussia and moved to Berlin, her eldest son was Kaiser Wilhelm II. Lady Horatia Seymour (1842–1922), who after her marriage became Lady Horatia Erskine. She was the daughter of Francis Seymour, 5th Marquess of Hertford and Emily Seymour, Marchioness of Hertford. She married Sir Henry David Erskine on 26 June 1861. She was part of Queen Victoria's court circle through both her family and her husband. Her father later served as Lord Chamberlain (1874–1879), while Sir Henry David Erskine held the office of Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons. These letters clearly illustrate a personal friendship over Princess Victoria's lifetime.

In addition included from the same provenance is a collection of letters to Hugh S Bowlby 1902. Also a Gentleman's vellum bound (with brass clasp) manuscript receipt book (1748-1754) sm. 8vo. [99]pp. (inc. 2 loose leaves).
£800-1,200

Sold for £800