The Royal Family is marking beloved author Jane Austen’s 250th birthday by displaying a never before seen book from Queen Victoria’s private collection.
During half-term, Prince Albert’s private copy of Pride and Prejudice will be on display at Windsor Castle. While there are many books in the Royal Collection, this was in the Prince’s private library and he read aloud to Queen Victoria from it in July 1853 when she was recovering from measles.
The rare book has never been displayed publicly before. It will also be displayed with a first edition of Pride Prejudice that is believed to have possibly been in the Servants’ Library previously.
The two copies of Pride and Prejudice will be joined by King George IV’s personal copy of Emma. The then-Prince Regent was a massive fan of Austen and requested that her next novel be dedicated to him. The three volume version of Emma features gold tooling, to match his luxurious tastes.
Other Regency-era books from the Royal Library will be on display at Windsor, including two books showing fashion prints from the period.
The Pride and Prejudice display will be open to visitors from Saturday, 25 October until Sunday, 2 November in the Queen’s Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
