Source:
The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907
Above: Victoria being informed that she is now queen after the death of her uncle King William IV on the morning of June 20, 1837, in a 1887 painting by Henry Tanworth Wells.
Above: Leopold, King of the Belgians, painted by Sir George Hayter.
The letter:
20th June 1837 (half-past eight A.M.).
DEAREST, MOST BELOVED UNCLE, — Two words only, to tell you that my poor Uncle, the King, expired this morning at twelve minutes past two. The melancholy news were brought to me by Lord Conyngham and the Archbishop of Canterbury at six. I expect Lord Melbourne almost immediately, and hold a Council at eleven. Ever, my beloved Uncle, your devoted and attached Niece,
VICTORIA R.
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