As it is National Handwriting Day, we have decided to treat our readers to a letter by Queen Victoria from the India Office Private Papers. Perhaps best described as ‘challenging’, this sample of the Queen’s handwriting dates from 24 June 1897, a few days after her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Here is a flattering portrait from that year of the 78-year-old monarch sitting beside an open writing box.

Queen Victoria - Illustrated London News: Diamond Jubilee Special (1897) Images Online



The Queen is writing from Osborne House, her holiday home on the Isle of Wight, to Lord George Francis Hamilton, Secretary of State for India 1895-1903. Enjoy!

Letter from Mss Eur A147 ff.19-20v

Margaret Makepeace

Lead Curator, East India Company Records

Further reading:

India Office Records and Private Papers -Mss Eur A147 Letters from Queen Victoria (1819-1901) to Lord George Francis Hamilton (1845-1927), Secretary of State for India 1895-1903, including comments on the treatment of her `munshi' and on arrangements for the Indian delegation to her Diamond Jubilee.