WILLIAM IV: (1765-1837) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1830-37.

A.L.S., William R, as King, one page, 8vo, St. James's, n.d. ('Sunday Morning', c.1830), to 'Dearest Mary' (his illegitimate daughter, Lady Mary Fox). The King writes a brief letter stating, in full, 'I broke thro' mistake the seal and therefore enclose Amelia's letter (no longer present) Ever believe me, Yours most affectionately'. Neatly annotated in ink in an unidentified hand at the foot. A letter of interesting association. Some very slight, extremely minor traces of former mounting to the verso, VG

Lady Mary Fox (1798-1864) English Writer, the illegitimate daughter of King William IV by his mistress Dorothea Jordan. In later life she served as housekeeper at Windsor Castle.

Amelia Cary (1807-1858) Viscountess Falkland. British Noblewoman, the illegitimate daughter of King William IV by his mistress Dorothea Jordan and sister of Lady Mary Fox.

Since the 12th century and the reign of King Henry II, British Kings have, with very few exceptions, enjoyed the companionship of a royal mistress. Monarchs had an incentive to take mistresses in that they generally made dynastic marriages of convenience, and there was often little love in them. Beyond the physical relationship, the royal mistress would often exercise a profound influence over the King, extending even to affairs of state.

William IV was the last King and penultimate monarch of Britain's House of Hanover and his reign saw several reforms, not least the abolishment of slavery in almost all of the British Empire. The King cohabited with his mistress, Dorothea Jordan (see lot XXX), for twenty years and fathered ten illegitimate children with her.