Prussia – thank you card – Kaiserin Hermine- concerning Kaiser Wilhelm II’s death – signed
Prussia – thank you card – Kaiserin Hermine- concerning Kaiser Wilhelm II’s death – signed
SKU: 19-242
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Kaiser Wilhelm II was born in 1859 and died on 4 June 1941. He and the other German royals abdicated in November 1918. Shortly afterward, Wilhelm II left Germany for the final time and lived the rest of his life exiled at Haus Doorn in the Netherlands. His beloved wife, Auguste Viktoria, passed away in 1921 and was buried in Berlin. A year after her death, Wilhelm married the recently-widowed Hermine, former Princess of Reuss (1887-1947). Some of the former Kaiser’s children were unhappy with the marriage because she was nearly the same age as they were. However, by all accounts, Wilhelm and Hermine were a happy couple. She survived Wilhelm by only six years.
The Kaiser was buried on Haus Doorn’s grounds in a special mausoleum. Many high-ranking officials from the former Reich came to pay their respects, including Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen, who laid his overcoat over his Kaiser’s casket. [Mackensen had been Wilhelm II’s favorite and the Kaiser had done much to advance von Mackensen’s career over more senior men].
After Wilhelm II’s death, Hermine sent note cards in response to the condolences she had received from certain people. These cards measured 3 3/8″ x 5 1/8,” were bordered in black, very simply composed, and personally signed by Hermine. This particular card is dated June 1941 and was sent from Doorn. Hermine returned to Germany after Wilhelm died to live out the balance of her life.
The card reads: "Für das warme Mitempfinden an meinem großen Schmerz und die wundervollen Blumen, die Sie dem Kaiser als einen letzten Gruß sandten, meinen herzlichsten Dank!"
Translation: "For the warm sympathy in my great sorrow and the wonderful flowers that you sent to the Kaiser as a final greeting, my heartfelt thanks!"
Signed: Doorn, June 1941.
This is a significant historical artifact reflecting the personal and emotional aftermath of the last German Emperor's death. It is in remarkable condition and would make a meaningful addition to any collection of historical memorabilia.

