MARIE-AMÉLIE of Bourbon-Siciles / Autographed letter signed / Exile / United Kingdom

  

Autographed letter signed "Marie Amélie" to Narcisse-Achille de Salvandy Claremont [United Kingdom], Nov 3. Octavo on thin paper, mourning border. Attached envelope [by bearer], wax seal. Tiny corner loss at the bottom right.

Forced into exile since the revolution of 1848 and the fall of the July Monarchy, Marie-Amélie mourns the loss of a cousin. "My dear Count, I recognized your handwriting upon receiving your letter of the 24th of October, which deeply touched me, and I hasten to thank you for it. Your memories are faithful because my beloved cousin has, for a moment, refused to be the object of my veneration and tender affection; her loss is the source of my deepest regrets, as well as those of my children, for they shared all my feelings for her.

The example of her virtues and the memory of her kindness weave a cult for the family, and we mourn her for the whole family.] I hope that your health is good, as well as that of Madame de Salvandy and your children; please remind them of my affection and receive the assurance of all my sentiments for you.

" Coming from the Italian branch of the House of Bourbon-Anjou, Marie-Amélie joined the younger branch of the royal house of France by marrying Louis-Philippe d'Orléans in 1809, who was then the first prince of the blood. Initially the Duchess of Orléans, she became Queen of the French in 1830 when her husband ascended to the throne under the name Louis-Philippe I. She will remain the last queen that France has known.