The Mary Hamilton Papers : Incomplete letter from Margaret Planta to Mary Hamilton

Planta, Margaret

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Incomplete letter from Margaret Planta to Mary Hamilton, relating to Planta's role as sub-governess to the princesses. Planta complains that 'literally from eight in the morning till eleven at night I am not mistress of a moment'. She has attempted to write this letter at least twenty times and has been disturbed each time.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>She continues writing the letter the following day and hopes that she will have enough time to finish it that day. Planta notes that Queen Charlotte desires her to dine at two o'clock so that she can take Princess Mary whilst Miss Goldsworthy and Mad[elle] are at dinner. At 'four I attend her into the room where the King and Queen, Prince of Wales and Prince Frederick are at Coffee' and remain there for some time. When Miss Goldsworthy and Mad[elle] have dined they return and the princesses' lessons continue until seven o'clock after which they walk on the terrace, drink tea and stay in the music Room until ten thirty.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Planta informs Hamilton that both she and Miss Goldsworthy are unhappy with Princess Charlotte's conduct and has spoken with her to state that unless she 'corrects herself in time the K[ing] will grow indifferent about her'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Planta writes that Hamilton has asked to hear about the older princes. She described the Prince of Wales as good humoured and Prince Frederick as reserved and silent. Planta continues in her descriptions but the letter has been censored and the text is missing.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at the Queen's Lodge, [Windsor].</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 5.</p>