Description
- A rare official invitation to Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838
- Personally signed by Queen Victoria herself
Queen Victoria is one of the most iconic figures in world history. Her reign lasted 63 years, which stood as the record up until great-granddaughter Elizabeth II surpassed her in 2015.
Britain was at the very height of its wealth and power during the Victorian era. Its colonies covered almost a third of the world’s land mass, making up the largest empire in history.
Queen Victoria married her beloved husband Albert in 1840. His sudden death in 1861 at the age of 42 was a blow from which she never recovered. She remained in mourning black for the rest of her days.
A highly rare original invitation to the coronation of Queen Victoria at Westminster Abbey in 1838.
Signed by Queen Victoria and dated May 9, just two weeks before her 19th birthday.
The invitation is addressed to Thomas Powys, 3rd Baron Ilford, a respected peer and leading member of parliament.
It reads in full:
“Right Trust and Right Well Beloved, We greet you well. Whereas the Twenty eighth day of June next is appointed for the solemnity of Our Royal Coronation, These are to will and command you (all excuses set apart) to make your personal attendance on us at the time abovementioned furnished and appointed as to your rank and quality appertaineth, there to do and perform all such services as shall be required and belong unto you whereof you are not to fail.
"And so We bid you most heartily farewell. Given at Our Court at St. James’s the ninth day of May, 1838 in the first year of Our Reign. By her Majesty’s Command.”
The document is also signed below by the Earl Marshal, Duke of Norfolk.
The invitation measures approx. 10.5” by 12.5”.
The page is in excellent condition for its age, with crisp edges, very few marks, and no rips or tears.
It bears three faint horizontal mailing folds and a vertical fold on the left-hand side which does not affect the text or signature.
Victoria's large clear signature appears prominently at the top of the page.
This invitation is the only example we have handled in 45 years.
As such, it is a Royal rarity of major significance suitable for the finest historic autograph collection.
To discover more about this rare collectible read our newsletter.
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- BUY NOW: Order online, by phone +44 (0)1534 639 998, or via email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
