Autographs and Manuscripts
LEOPOLD II (1835-1909). King of the Belgians. ()
Autograph Letter Signed ("Léopold") to "Ma Chère Cousine", thanking her for her kind wishes for his sister, the Empress Carlotta of Mexico, who had been seriously ill since returning to Europe, discussing her health and the situation in Europe.4 pages 4to in French on black-edged paper with Leopold's embossed crowned monogram at the head, Laeken, 3 December 1866.
Trans: "Please accept my thanks for your kind and affectionate letter of 1 December. I am touched by your thoughtfulness and grateful for your enquiries about the terrible illness and misfortunes of my poor sister. Since her arrival at Miramar [near Trieste] Charlotte, thank God, is less unwell, she recently wrote me a letter which was just as before, however, the doctors fear that her complete recovery may not be as quick as we would wish. As for Stephen [Archduke Stephen of Hungary], about whom you are also, dear Cousin, kind enough to enquire, he is at Menton and his condition is unfortunately far from satisfactory. . . My wife and my brother thank you, dear Cousin, for the messages which you asked me to pass to them and join me in sending you all our best wishes for the year which is so soon to begin . . ."Leopold II's younger sister, Charlotte, married to Archduke Maximilian, had become Empress of Mexico in 1864. Two years later, she was forced to return to Europe to beg for help for her husband, in Paris, Vienna and Rome, to no avail. The immense stress finally caused a complete breakdown, and she spent her remaining days first at Miramar and later at Meise in her native Belgium. Her illness at this date may possibly have been exacerbated by other factors. Rumours persist that Charlotte had an affaire with an army officer and gave birth to their son in January 1867. The boy in question grew up to be Maxime Weygand, a distinguished French military commander in World War I, whose parentage has remained mysterious.
Stock Code: AU5047
