| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | Queen Victoria sends to Lord John a letter from King Leopold of the Belgians relative to the death of Madame Adelaide [sister of King Louis Philippe], which is a great loss to the King of the French and the Royal Family. Yesterday she considered writing to the King, which in other circumstances she would have done immediately, though she would have first mentioned it to Lord John to avoid it being considered a political act. After consideration, the Queen decided to write at once to Princess Augustus of Saxe Coburg, asking her to convey the Queen's sincere sympathy to the King and the French Royal Family. However, the King of the Belgians' letter has resurrected her first thought of writing to the King, and she asks Lord John's opinion. In moments of grief, the Queen deems it to be unfeeling and undignified to carry on a political misunderstanding so far as to abstain from showing the sincere regret which many years of former friendship must engender. Her expression of condolence through Princess Augusta, the King's daughter, may perhaps be thought sufficient, while a letter from the Queen to the King may be construed by some as a political act; however, the Queen would rather run this risk than appear unfeeling and forgetful of former times. |