GRIEF OF THE QUEEN
Claremont, 17th July 1842.
The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne some time ago to have thanked him for his kind letter of the 5th, but she was so occupied, first of all with the arrival of our brother and sister, with our removal here, and lastly by the dreadful misfortune at Paris, which has completely overpowered her, and made her quite ill—that it prevented her from doing so. The Queen is sure that Lord Melbourne will have warmly shared the universal horror and regret at the untimely and fearfully sudden end of so amiable and distinguished a Prince as poor Chartres (as we all called the Duke of Orleans) was! The loss to France, and indeed Europe, is very great; but to the Royal Family, dearest Louise (who all doted on him), and above all to poor unfortunate Hélène, who adored him (and he was a most devoted husband to her), and to his two poor little boys of four and one years old—he is an irreparable loss. The Queen has heard from none yet, but has seen a letter from Guizot, who was a witness of the last scene, which is quite truly reported in the papers; he says it was fearful—the poor Duke lying and dying on a mattress on the floor surrounded by his parents and sisters, kneeling and praying around their dearly beloved Child! Alas! poor Hélène had not even that comfort!
The Queen is very glad that the Bill for the better security of her person has passed so quickly and in so gratifying a manner through both Houses.
We are here since yesterday week, enjoying the fine weather, and great quiet and peace; but the news from Paris have damped our spirits.
The Queen is charmed with her new sister,49 who is a most amiable, sensible, and gentle creature, and without being really handsome, very pretty and pleasing.
We return to town to-morrow and the Queen hopes soon to see Lord Melbourne. We intend going to Windsor to settle, on Saturday.
The Queen trusts Lord Melbourne is quite well.
Footnote 49: The Duchess Ernest of Saxe-Coburg.