Letter of Queen Jane Seymour to the Privy Council of England
12 October 1537

Background
Jane was the mother of Henry VIII's longed-for heir, Prince Edward. He was born on 12 October 1537, and this letter was immediately sent to the Privy Council by the queen. Jane may not have personally composed the letter; however, it was sent in her name and sealed with her signet. Though she died of puerperal fever twelve days after the birth, she was not immediately ill. In fact, the letter muses upon the precariousness of the infant prince's health. This sentiment was understandable enough in an age of high infant mortality.

Right trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, and for as much as by the inestimable goodness and grace of Almighty God, we be delivered and brought in childbed of a prince, conceived in most lawful matrimony between my lord the king's majesty and us, doubting not but that for the love and affection which you bear unto us and to the commonwealth of this realm, the knowledge thereof should be joyous and glad tidings unto you, we have thought good to certify you of the same. To the intent you might not only render unto God condign thanks and prayers for so great a benefit but also continually pray for the long continuance and preservation of the same here in this life to the honor of God, joy and pleasure of my lord the king and us, and the universal weal, quiet and tranquility of this whole realm. Given under our signet at my lord's manor of Hampton Court the 12th day of October.
Jane the Quene.

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