I remain, my most beloved Victoria, ever and ever your most affectionate LOUISE.
[Pageheading: THE ANNOUNCEMENT] _Queen Victoria to the Duke of Sussex._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th November 1839._ MY DEAR UNCLE,--The affection which you have shown me makes me feel certain that you will take interest in an event which so nearly concerns the future happiness of my life; I cannot, therefore, delay any longer to inform you of my intended marriage with my Cousin Albert, the merits of whose character are so well known by all who are acquainted with him, that I need say no more than that I feel as assured of my own happiness as I can be of anything in this world.
As it is not to be publicly known, I beg you not to mention it except to our own Family.
I hope you are well and enjoying yourself.

Believe me, always, your affectionate Niece, VICTORIA R.[64] [Footnote 64: Similar letters with slight variations were written to the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Augusta, the Princess Sophia, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess Sophia Matilda, the King of Hanover, and the Princess Elizabeth (Landgravine of Hesse-Homburg).] _Queen Victoria to Queen Adelaide._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1839._ MY DEAR AUNT,--Your constant kindness and the affection you have ever shown me make me certain that you will take much interest in an event which so nearly concerns the future happiness of my life; I cannot, therefore, any longer delay to inform you of my intended marriage with my Cousin Albert.

The merits of his character are so well known to all who are acquainted with him, that I need say no more than that I feel as assured of my own happiness as I can be of anything here below, and only hope that I may be able to make him as happy as he deserves to be.

It was both my duty and my inclination to tell you of this as soon as it was determined upon; but, as it is not to be yet publicly announced I beg you not to mention it except to our own Family.

I thank you much for your kind letter, and rejoice to hear you have enjoyed yourself so much.