Queen Victoria Writes That Easter Brings Hope of Resurrection to Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
“You are so good & patient under one of the severest bereavements which can fall to Woman’s lot!…But you are so wise & good to dwell only on the mercies - on the comfort of your darling boy is safely near his precious father. This day, tho’ so dreadfully sad this year, brings Peace & hope & trust with it, which are something.”
Gerald Wellesley, nephew of the great Duke of Wellington, was appointed personal chaplain to the Queen in 1849, becoming Dean of Windsor in 1854. He married Madgalen ‘Lily’ Montagu, daughter of Lord Rokeby, in 1856. The couple were in constant contact with the royal family, and he was one of the Queen’s...
Gerald Wellesley, nephew of the great Duke of Wellington, was appointed personal chaplain to the Queen in 1849, becoming Dean of Windsor in 1854. He married Madgalen ‘Lily’ Montagu, daughter of Lord Rokeby, in 1856. The couple were in constant contact with the royal family, and he was one of the Queen’s closest advisors. He died in 1882. The couple’s only child died in early 1883 at age 18. Both were laid to rest in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Prince Albert, Victoria’s husband, had died in 1861, and Victoria went into deep mourning. Thus, both Victoria and Lily had lost their husbands to early deaths, and Lily had lost a son.
Autograph letter signed, Windsor Castle, March 25. 1883, Easter Day, to Lily, offering condolences for her loss but saying that Easter offers hope to the afflicted. “How dear & kind to write to me! You are so good & patient under one of the severest bereavements which can fall to Woman’s lot! And from all I hear the whole was so sad & trying — that I fear the recollection of it will be terribly painful. But you are so wise & good to dwell only on the mercies – on the comfort of your darling boy is safely near his precious father. This day, tho’ so dreadfully sad this year, brings Peace & hope & trust with it, which are something.
“It is interesting to hear of your usefulness in all your terrible sorrow — thinking only of others & so much of your dear Father. Hard, very hard it is for him to have lived to see this new misfortune! I rejoice for you in having your darling laid here, where you can so often easily see & where I may place flowers too! Here your happiest days were spent with him & your dearest Husband & it will be most fitting that dear Arthur should Rest within sight of your dear old Home!
“God bless you. Ever yours most affectionately & sympathizingly, VRI.” She added a PS: “Pray thank you sister for her kind letter.”
An uncommon letter of Victoria, from one bereaved woman to another, relating to loss, religion and the hope that it brings peace to the afflicted.
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