The Shadow of Great Britain

Dear Delina,

From the news coming from London, I’ve learned that your uncle, King William IV, is increasingly ill. This may become a turning point in your life. I do not wish to burden you with excessive words of worry, but as your uncle and family, I must frankly and honestly tell you: you might soon stand in a position of global attention.

In every letter I write to you, I intend to repeatedly remind you of the same thing: maintain courage, honesty, and steadfastness. These three qualities will be the cornerstone that supports your standing in the political world more than any crown or etiquette.

You are still young and have not experienced the trials of storms, yet you possess a precious gift bestowed by heaven; you have a candid heart and innate sincerity. I know well that this will become your strength. You do not need to mimic any ancestor’s demeanor but should hold onto your intuition and conscience in every decision you make.

In front of you, there will be many voices. Some will be eager to offer shortcuts, while others will demand compliance through intimidation. I wish you not to panic and to remember that you are not alone. My thoughts and prayers, along with any assistance I can send, will always be by your side.

You will encounter many old acquaintances and also be surrounded by many newcomers. Some will be genuinely loyal, while others have ulterior motives. For this, I will gradually teach you the skills of assessing people in future letters. But for now, I want you to particularly focus on two individuals—Baron Stockma and Sir Arthur Hastings.

You are already familiar with Stockma, and I know you trust him deeply. I equally admire his calmness and rationality. He is loyal, wise, rarely boasting his role publicly, yet he always points out blind spots you have not noticed at crucial moments. He is diligent in managing your daily arrangements, and his caution and understanding of the world are meticulous. If you are willing to heed his advice, many unnecessary misunderstandings and potential risks can be avoided.

As for Sir Arthur Hastings, the responsibilities this young man shoulders have far exceeded his original duties. His loyalty, attentiveness, and the courage and valor he displays in sensitive matters make me believe he is not an impetuous adventurer. His background may not meet the expectations of certain nobility, but I believe a person’s true value does not depend on lineage but on whether they possess a noble sense of responsibility and self-control. I am not surprised that you trust and favor him; in fact, I feel gratified by your ability to assess and employ people well.

However, I must also candidly remind you that true friendship, especially on the threshold of impending power, is an extremely precious yet fragile thing. You will need his loyalty, yet you must guide it so that it does not stray due to misunderstandings or impulsiveness. As I have once told you: a person’s most steadfast strength does not lie in how many close allies he has, but in distinguishing his own role and boundaries from others’.

As for state affairs, you are still advised to continue trusting the current Cabinet and its leader. The Whig Party may not be perfect, but for now, they are your most solid support. The road of politics is not always straight, but trusting a group of experienced people willing to take responsibility for the royal family is your best bridge through the initial stages. Meanwhile, you must ensure not to lean excessively towards the Whig Party, refrain from hastily dismissals, and prevent your ascension from being viewed as the result of factional struggles.

Finally: never speak hastily, and never hurt others lightly.

Many in the court live off their pride, and even the slightest insult can cause a storm behind the scenes if you accidentally ruffle their feathers.

Delina, please take care of yourself. In this tense moment, do not forget to rest, do not forget to smile. Your demeanor will become a symbol for the entire nation, and at this point in time, your healthy complexion will be more inspiring than any decree.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Your affectionate uncle,

Leopold

May 21, 1837, in Brussels

The carriage rode smoothly, with only slight jolts when the wheels passed over the seams of the cobblestones.

Victoria sat inside the carriage, with the writing box given to her by George IV in front of her, holding a quill in her hand, while the ink bottle was securely embedded in the recess of the writing box.

She had become accustomed to writing letters while traveling, as only when she was in the carriage with Leisen could she write without the ”guidance” of Conroy and her mother. If she could write a bit faster, finishing up before getting off the carriage, and have Leisen send the letter directly to the post office, her correspondence could even avoid their ”scrutiny.”

For Victoria, nothing in the world was more precious than freedom, so even the journey from Kensington Palace to St. James’s Palace was used as much as possible.

At Victoria’s request, in response to and in gratitude for the welcome and cheers of the London citizens, the Kensington Palace parade carriage procession had deliberately slowed down quite a bit. In the slowly moving carriage, Victoria rested her elbow on the edge of the writing box’s panel, her slender wrist slightly trembling with the sway of the carriage, yet it did not interrupt the continuity of her pen strokes.