Isle of Wight Observer January 9, 1864

His Majesty the King of the Belgians has taken Westfield, the seat of Admiral Sir Augustus Clifford, bart., Usher of the Black Rod, for six weeks from the 26th inst. This visit of Her Majesty’s uncle is partly one of friendship and partly for the benefit of health, the King’s physicians having recommended the climate of Ryde as likely to prove beneficial. His Majesty from his advance age has never entirely recovered from the operation he was compelled to undergo a few months ago, and it is hoped that the bracing sea air of Ryde will renovate his frame.

King Leopold I of Belgium was a brother of Queen Victoria’s mother, and Prince Albert’s father, and arranged their marriage. He had a great influence over Victoria even before the start of her reign. He died, aged 74, in December, 1865.

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