The DEATH Of Queen Adelaide

In the spring of 1837, Queen Adelaide faced a dire health crisis that nearly claimed her life. At the same time, she was enduring the emotional strain of being with her mother in her final moments in Meiningen. Miraculously, she managed to recover from her own illness. However, only a few months later, her husband, King William IV, began to succumb to his own grave health issues. With unwavering dedication, Adelaide spent over ten days at his side, foregoing sleep and comfort to be with him as he faced his final hours. Her dedication did not wane, even as she grappled with her own frail health.

King William IV ultimately passed away from heart failure in the early morning hours of June 20, 1837, at Windsor Castle, where he was later buried. This event marked a significant shift in the British monarchy, as Victoria was proclaimed queen. There was a small possibility that Adelaide was pregnant, which could have affected the succession, but this turned out not to be the case.

In pursuit of a more suitable climate for her health, Adelaide embarked on a journey to Malta in October 1838 aboard HMS Hastings. The trip included a stop at Gibraltar before settling in Malta for a threemonth stay. Finding no Protestant church on the island, Adelaide funded the construction of St Paul’s ProCathedral in Valletta, demonstrating her commitment to her faith and community even while away from home.
Her travels did not end in Malta. In the summer of 1844, Adelaide returned to her homeland for what would be her last visit. She traveled to Altenstein Palace and again to Meiningen, perhaps reconnecting with her roots and family memories.

Queen Adelaide's later years were marked by a continuous search for comfort and health as she dealt with her ailments. She often moved between various residences, seeking the solace and restoration that each new environment promised. Her life was a testament to her resilience and dedication, both to her personal health and her public responsibilities. Despite the challenges, she remained a figure of strength and compassion, involved in her community and committed to her faith until the end of her days.

Queen Adelaide's life was deeply impacted by chronic illness, which led her to frequently change her residences in hopes of finding a climate that could offer her some relief. Her constant search for better health saw her living in the beautiful estates of the British aristocracy. Starting in 1842, Adelaide became a resident at Witley Court in Worcestershire, a magnificent property recently acquired by William Ward. During her fouryear stay at Witley Court, she was attended by two chaplains, Reverend John Ryle Wood and Reverend Thomas Pearson, who helped maintain her spiritual life. Not only did she reside there, but she also played a key role in the community by funding the establishment of the first village school in Great Witley.

By 1846, Adelaide moved to Cassiobury House, which she rented from Lord Essex. This period was notable for her hospitality, as she hosted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, showing her continued involvement in royal duties despite her health. After two years, her quest for a better living situation took her to Bentley Priory in Stanmore, rented from Lord Abercorn, where she would eventually spend her final days.
As her health continued to decline, becoming semiinvalid by 1847, Adelaide was advised to spend the winter in Madeira, a place famed for its mild climate. While there, she not only sought recovery but also engaged in philanthropy. She donated money to the local poor and financed the construction of a road from Ribeiro Seco to Camara de Lobos, thus contributing to the infrastructure of the island.

Despite her failing health, Queen Adelaide made her last public appearance with a significant act of charity and faith. She laid the foundation stone for the Church of St John the Evangelist in Great Stanmore, also donating the font for the church. After her death, the east window of the church was dedicated to her memory, honoring her contributions.

Adelaide passed away on December 2, 1849, during the reign of her niece, Queen Victoria. Her death occurred naturally at Bentley Priory in Middlesex. True to her humble nature, she had previously penned down her wishes for her funeral during an illness in 1841, requesting a simple and private ceremony, free from any pomp or grand state display. She expressed a desire for peace and modesty, wishing her funeral to reflect the tranquility with which she hoped to enter the afterlife. Accordingly, she was interred quietly in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, following her own directives for simplicity and humility. This approach to her final farewell reflected her lifelong values of humility and the importance of spiritual over worldly wealth.