1850 Belgium King Leopold I Signed Royalty Letter to King Ferdinand II Sicilies

Description

This exceedingly rare and historically significant antique manuscript, dated circa 1850, is a handwritten royal letter from King Leopold I of Belgium to Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies. Boldly hand-signed "Leopold" and with his royal wax seal featuring a crown, cipher, and coat of arms, the document exemplifies the formality and diplomacy of 19th-century European monarchs. Included with the manuscript is the original royal mailing envelope, bearing the inscription, "My Brother, the King of the Kingdom of The Two Sicilies," further attesting to its regal origin.

The royal document, crafted on fine laid paper, measures approximately 16.75 inches by 16.5 inches, while the envelope measures 5.5 inches by 5.75 inches. Both items are preserved in fine condition, displaying their original folds and retaining their museum-quality status. The letter reflects the deep personal and political connections between European royal houses, specifically expressing King Leopold I’s grief over the illness and loss of a beloved family member.

Document Translation:
"My Lord Brother, I am filling a good pin of the sovereign announcing to Your Majesty the remake that I feel to make of my very dear and well-beloved second file, Guillaume Fridione Maurice Meranda Henry Charles, Prince of the Page Bar, divine the age of Ruviron Aptane, as a result of a strange illness which, by resisting the efforts of the medical art, has affected my introfe and that of all my Family. The interest that Your Majesty has taken well in all matters concerning my Person and my House of Megah, Your Majesty will share my deep affliction and that you will come to be well persuaded of the fact that the Presidency, in consuming the unity of the days of Your Majesty, wishes to take precedence over such painful trials. In these sentiments, I pray Your Majesty to accept the renewed affections of the high priest and the invariable friendship, with whom I am,

Sir, my brother, of Your Majesty, the ben Frire, Leopold."

Historical Context:
Leopold I (1790–1865), the first King of the Belgians, reigned from 1831 to 1865, playing a key role in establishing Belgium as a constitutional monarchy and navigating the complex diplomatic relationships of 19th-century Europe. Ferdinand II (1810–1859), King of the Two Sicilies, ruled from 1830 to 1859, overseeing a kingdom known for its cultural richness and political challenges during a period of growing nationalist movements in Italy.

This one-of-a-kind document is a rare and authentic artifact, reflecting the intertwined personal and political narratives of two significant European monarchs. Its exceptional quality, complete with the original envelope, makes it an invaluable piece for collectors, historians, and institutions dedicated to preserving royal history.