One hundred years ago
The death of Mr John Brown, the Queen's personal servant, has created some interest in society. He has for years been a conspicuous figure in the Royal Household, and at one time the most ab- surd stories of his influence with the Queen were greedily believed. The truth is, that he was a confidential servant, so trustworthy and devoted that the Queen treated him, as he deserved, as a humble friend, and in particular relied more upon his vigilant watchfulness than upon any police or guards. Kings value devotion like Mr Brown's with a feeling compounded of true gratitude and of a master's kindness for a great dog, and naturally consider service to themselves service also to the State. In this light, there is nothing unusual in the strong ex- pressions with which her Majesty, in the Court Circular, records the 'grievous shock' she has felt at the 'irreparable loss' of 'an honest, faithful and devoted follower'.
Spectator, 31 March 1883
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