Two letters by the Belgian couple, both addressed to a "Cousin":
1. (Leopold II) Letter signed, one page, 7 x 8,75 inch, Brussels, 28.02.1871, in French, reply letter - Leopold II of Belgium thanks his correspondent for wishes for the prosperity of his reign and prays "to God that He will have You in His holy and worthy custody" (translated), signed in dark ink "Leopold", with intersecting letter folds - in fine to very fine condition.
"Mon cousin, J'ai reçu avec un véritable plaisir la lettre que Votre Eminence M`a adressée à l`occasion des fêtes de Noël et J`ai été très sensible aux voeux qu`Elle forme pour la prospérité de Mon règne. Je n`ai jamais douté des sentiments de Votre Eminence à Mon égard et Je suis heureux de l`en remercier. Sur ce Mon Cousin, Je prie Dieu qu`Il Vous ait en Sa sainte et digne garde et Je suis, - de Votre Eminence - le Bon Cousin, - Leopold"
Translated:
"My cousin, I received with real pleasure the letter that Your Eminence addressed to Me on the occasion of the Christmas holidays and I was very sensitive to the wishes which You expressed for the prosperity of My reign. I have never doubted in Your Eminence's feelings towards Me and I am happy to thank him for it. On this My Cousin, I pray to God that He will have You in His holy and worthy custody and I am, - of Your Eminence - the Good Cousin, - Leopold"
2. (Queen Marie Henriette) Autograph letter signed, three page (on two conjoined sheets), 4 x 6,5 inch, Chateau de Laeken, 1.01.1880, in French, untranslated, i. a. concerning New Year`s wishes, written and signed in dark ink "Marie-Henriette", with two vertical letter folds, and mild signs of wear to the upper edge - in fine condition.
