Lot Essay
INDENTThe Ashanti Star is believed to have been designed by Princess Beatrice, youngest daughter of Queen Victoria and widow of Colonel H.R.H. Prince Henry of Battenberg K.G., who died of malaria on board H.M.S. Blonde, 20 January 1896. The Princess was a favourite of Victoria and the loss of the Prince was very keenly felt by the Sovereign. A remarkable message was published in the second Supplement to the London Gazette of 14 February 1896
"I have, alas! Once more to thank My loyal subjects for the warm sympathy in a fresh grevious affliction which has befallen Me and My beloved Daughter, Princess Beatrice, Princess Henry of Battenberg. This new sorrow is overwhelming and to Me is a double one, for I lose a dearly loved and helpful Son, whose presence was like a bright sunbeam in My Home and My dear Daughter loses a noble devoted Husband to whom she was united by the closest affection.
To witness the blighted happiness of the Daughter who has never left Me, and has comforted and helped Me, is hard to bear. But the feeling of universal sympathy so touchingly shown by all classes of My subjects had deeply moved My Child and Myself, and has helped and soothed us greatly. I wish from My heart to thank My People for this, as well as for the appreciation manifested of the dear and gallant Prince who laid down his life in the service of his adopted Country.
My beloved Child is an example to all, in her courage, resignation, and submission to the will of God."
The discovery of this watercolour with the accompanying letter appears to support the attribution of the design to the Princess.
"I have, alas! Once more to thank My loyal subjects for the warm sympathy in a fresh grevious affliction which has befallen Me and My beloved Daughter, Princess Beatrice, Princess Henry of Battenberg. This new sorrow is overwhelming and to Me is a double one, for I lose a dearly loved and helpful Son, whose presence was like a bright sunbeam in My Home and My dear Daughter loses a noble devoted Husband to whom she was united by the closest affection.
To witness the blighted happiness of the Daughter who has never left Me, and has comforted and helped Me, is hard to bear. But the feeling of universal sympathy so touchingly shown by all classes of My subjects had deeply moved My Child and Myself, and has helped and soothed us greatly. I wish from My heart to thank My People for this, as well as for the appreciation manifested of the dear and gallant Prince who laid down his life in the service of his adopted Country.
My beloved Child is an example to all, in her courage, resignation, and submission to the will of God."
The discovery of this watercolour with the accompanying letter appears to support the attribution of the design to the Princess.