QUEEN VICTORIA AND PRINCESS MARIE LOUISE

A GRANDMAMA’S LETTER

 It was customary for Queen Victoria to give each of her 40 grandchildren a gold watch on their tenth birthday. Here is the letter that came to Princess Marie Louise with her watch:

Osborne,

12^th August, 1882

My dear little Louise,

On this your tenth birthday I write to express my best wishes, praying that God may bless and protect you for many years and help to make you a good, truthful, affectionate little girl, dutiful and loving to Papa, mama, and Grandmama, and kind and good to all around you. I hope you will like your watch and spend a happy birthday…

I hope that you will enjoy your stay with Mrs. Jeune and that you and Victoria will write sometimes to me.

Ever your loving Grandmama,

V.R.I.

 Auntie Beatrice sends you her love.
 
Here are some questions to help you think about this letter:

• What does this letter tell you about Queen Victoria?
• Who does she mention first after greeting Marie Louise?
• What sort of child does she hope Marie Louise will be?
• Who's help does this Grandma say Marie Louise needs?