VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901.

A lengthy A.L.S., Victoria, seven pages, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 19th January 1850, to a cousin, in German. Writing on black monogrammed mourning stationery the Queen pens a letter of condolence on the passing of 'our aunt Adelheid', commenting 'I was certain how large your grief and your sympathy would be. You were prepared, but this doesn't diminish the deep sorrow we are feeling, when such dear and admirable people are taken away from us! But now the much-loved are well, because their suffering was great for several years'. The Queen also expresses her pleasure that their aunt had witnessed the marriage of a nephew, 'Also we were pleased with this marriage and we hope the young couple will be happy' and further writes 'Poor, good Edward is quite orphaned now and every day he feels more how big his loss is; and he has also lost his home with this! The dear aunts loved him and treated him like their own child - You can be sure, dear cousin, that we will give him any compensation we could to relieve the pain of his loss'. Victoria remarks on the cold weather in England and Germany and concludes her letter in a positive manner, 'Now receive my deepest wishes for the New Year. Furthermore, may God save you and your revered husband and your dear children, and may the year 50 be good for the luck and restoration of Germany. With cordial regards from my dear Albert, I remain, for always, Your loyal cousin and friend….' . Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGThe present letter was written following the death of Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen (1792-1849) Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and of Hanover 1830-37, the spouse of King William IV. Adelaide had passed away at the age of 57 at Bentley Priory in Middlesex on 2nd December 1849.Queen Victoria's long reign of 63 years and seven months is known as the Victorian era of British History and witnessed a long period of peace and prosperity as well as overseeing great industrial, cultural, political, scientific and military change within the United Kingdom, further marked by a great expansion of the British Empire.