Arabic version: رسالة الطفولة من الملكة إليزابيث الثانية ستُعرض في المزاد
A handwritten letter from a young Queen Elizabeth II is set to be auctioned in Kent, with bids expected to reach up to £4,000. The one-page note, addressed to the head housemaid at Royal Lodge in Windsor, features drawings of dogs, horses, and young children, along with inquiries about the well-being of birds and goldfish. This letter was written while the then Princess Elizabeth was in Praa Sands in Cornwall sometime between 1936 and 1940, when she would have been between 10 and 12 years old, according to BBC News.
The upcoming auction, scheduled for February 27, showcases the personal touch of a young princess. In addition to her questions about the household pets, the letter mentions primroses that the young Elizabeth had picked, which she wanted to be shared among the staff at Royal Lodge. Justin Matthews from Hansons Auctioneers, who is overseeing the sale, expressed admiration for the letter, stating, “In my 27 years in the international auction world I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
The letter is part of a collection found by William Westacott, who discovered them in a suitcase belonging to his late mother. These letters were addressed to Beatrice Stillman, the former head housemaid at Royal Lodge. Another letter in the collection, from Princess Margaret, humorously requests that Stillman look after her bathing suit.
The historical significance of these letters extends beyond their content. They provide a glimpse into the early life of the royal family and their interactions with staff. The correspondence also highlights a moment in history when the royal family engaged with the lives of those who worked for them, particularly during challenging times such as World War II.
As the auction date approaches, collectors and royal enthusiasts alike are eager to see how much the letter will fetch. The auction not only serves as a chance to own a piece of royal history but also to appreciate the innocence and charm of a young Elizabeth II, who would later become one of the most recognized figures in the world.
