rumors about Victoria's health

January 18, 1901

By Atlantic cable to the Associated Press.

There are a "large number of rumors" circulating today in London regarding the health of Queen Victoria.   Unsubstantiated reports state that the Queen is "seriously ill" and her family have been "summoned to Osborne."   The Associated Press' reporter received a "flat denial of the reports" following an inquiry at 3:00 p.m.
The Prince of Wales is at Marlborough House, where no news has been received indicating that Her Majesty is not enjoying her usual health."   The Duke of York, second in line to the throne,  left for Sandringham earlier this afternoon.

An official announcement was released this evening: "The Queen during the past year has had a great strain upon her powers, which has rather told upon her nervous system.  It has therefore been thought advisable that Her Majesty should be kept perfectly quiet in the house, and should abstain from transacting business."
Rumors of Queen Victoria's illness "have alarmed the public and adversely affected the Stock Exchange" in spite of the denials from Osborne and Marlborough House.
Several telegrams from Cowes report that the Queen "was not well" today, and was suffering from insomnia.   The Associated Press communicated with Osborne House at 6:00 p.m., this evening, and was told by Lord Edward William Pelham-Clinton, master of the Queen's household that he was not able to discuss the matter further, but said that a statement would appear in tomorrow's Court Circular.
The Associated Press has also "received assurances" from the Foreign Office that there is "no reason for apprehension regarding the Queen's health."
Queen Victoria is 81 years old, and has been on the throne since June 1837/