Presented to Princess Mary of Adelaide
HANOVER. Albert. Prince consort, 1857-1861. Æ Medal (52mm, 78.11 g, 12h). London International Exhibition. By J.E. Boehm and G.T. Morgan. Dated 1874 (in Roman numerals). ALBERT EDWARD PRINCE OF WALES PRESIDENT, bare head left / LONDON ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ALL FINE ARTS INDUSTRIES AND INVENTIONS, view of the Exhibition buildings; in exergue, MDCCCLXXIV. Edge engraved: H.R.H THE PRINCESS MARY ADELAIDE, DUCHESS OF TECK. FOR SERVICES. BHM 2992; Eimer 1633. Brown surfaces, a couple of minor marks. EF.
Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge (1833–1897), granddaughter of George III and first cousin of Queen Victoria, was a prominent member of the Victorian royal family. She was particularly close to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, forming part of their wider family circle and frequently visiting the royal household. In 1866 she married Prince Francis, Duke of Teck, a relatively minor German prince, despite being considerably better connected dynastically than her husband. Their financial difficulties meant that the family lived on a modest allowance for much of their marriage. Mary Adelaide nevertheless became a notable patron of charities, earning a reputation for her interest in the poor and charitable causes. She was the mother of Princess Mary of Teck, who married the future George V in 1893 and became Queen Mary in 1910.
