Adelaide.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
BIRTH OF PRINCESS ALICE
Buckingham Palace, 16th May 1843.
My dearest Uncle,—Your kind and dear letter of the 12th has given me great pleasure. I am happy to give you still better accounts of myself.37 I have been out every day since Saturday, and have resumed all my usual habits almost (of course resting often on the sofa, and not having appeared in Society yet), and feel so strong and well; much better (independent of the nerves) than I have been either time. We are most thankful for it. The King of Hanover has never said when he will come, even now, but always threatens that he will....
Our little baby, who I really am proud of, for she is so very forward for her age, is to be called Alice, an old English name, and the other names are to be Maud (another old English name and the same as Matilda) and Mary, as she was born on Aunt Gloucester's birthday. The Sponsors are to be: The King of Hanover,—Ernestus the Pious; poor Princess Sophia Matilda,38 and Feodore, and the christening to be on the 2nd of June. It will be delightful to see you and dearest Louise on the 19th of June, God willing.
Are there any news of Joinville's proceedings at Rio?39 Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 37: Princess Alice was born on 25th April.
Footnote 38: Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester.