3-082-976 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sir Arthur Bigge, Private Secretary to the Queen, 1895. 'The post of Private Secretary to the Queen is one of the most responsible, and at the same time one of the most honourable, in the United Kingdom. The sad illness of Sir Henry Ponsonby made it necessary for the Queen to appoint Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur John Bigge in his place. The Queen has just conferred knighthood on him as a further mark of her esteem...He is in his forty-sixth year. Having entered the Royal Artillery in 1869, he successively became captain in 1880, major in 1885, and lieutenant-colonel in 1893. He served through the campaign in Zululand 1878-79, and was mentioned in dispatches. In the latter year he was appointed aide-de-camp to Sir Evelyn Wood...[and also served as Groom-in-Waiting]. The ability with which he performed these duties marked him out for further promotion in the Royal Household, and this was not long in coming. In 1881 he was made an Equerry-in-Ordinary...He has favourably impressed those who come into contact with him by his remarkable tact, courtesy, and talent. Serving the Queen, Sir Arthur Bigge serves also the nation, and we trust he may have this opportunity and distinction for many years to come'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.