Two works on Queen Consorts Signed by Queen Mary of Teck first editions 1912
QUEEN MARY OF TECK – Two works on Queen Consorts, inscribed to Lady Ogilvy, her Lady of the Bedchamber.
WOODWARD, Ida. Five English Consorts of Foreign Princes. London: Methuen, 1912.
WILLIAMS, H. Noel. A Princess of Adventure: Marie Caroline Duchesse de Berry. London: Methuen, 1912.
Two volumes, both 8vo. Five English Consorts with six plates; A Princess of Adventure with seventeen plates (frontispiece loose and trimmed by c.2 cm, not affecting image). Original publisher’s cloth gilt (blue and red respectively), both bindings sound; light foxing to prelims of Consorts, edges browned; some offsetting and wear commensurate with age.
Both volumes are inscribed by Queen Mary of Teck (1867–1953) to her Lady of the Bedchamber, Mabell Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie (1866–1956): “Mabell Airlie / from / Mary R / 1912.” Consorts additionally bears the author Ida Woodward’s florid presentation leaf in thick black pen: “May it please Your Majesty to accept this book from your faithful subject the author.” Small bookplate to front endpaper of Consorts, with coronet and initials “M.A.”, consistent with Lady Airlie’s ownership.
The juxtaposition of the two works is striking. Published in the same year, both examine the fates of royal women navigating dynastic marriages and political turbulence. Queen Mary’s gift of these titles to Lady Airlie—herself part of Mary’s inner court circle—suggests a moment of shared reflection on queenship, duty, and female endurance within monarchy. The books were inscribed in the coronation year of George V (1911–12), with Queen Mary newly established as consort.
Provenance and association:
– Inscribed by Queen Mary to Mabell Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, Lady of the Bedchamber.
– Bookplate of Lady Airlie (“M.A.” beneath coronet).
– Five English Consorts also a direct authorial presentation copy to Queen Mary.
Royal presentation copies and a genuinely interesting set, combining royal and authorial presentation.