Long lost letter written by royal found after being used as bookmark for years
A rare letter written by Queen Mother has been found after being used as bookmark in a second hand book for years.
The discovery has sparked rumours of a royal romance from a century ago. Dated January 27, 1923, the thank-you letter followed news of the then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon’s plans to marry Prince Albert, Duke of York, later King George VI. Buckingham Palace announced their engagement on January 15, 1923 - after his third marriage proposal was finally accepted. She famously rejected him twice due to fears about the impact of royal life.
The 101-year-old letter, sent to a Mrs Carmicheal of Downfield, Dundee, Scotland, was discovered by chance by the seller’s grandmother in a second-hand book decades ago. It has been passed down through the generations ever since.
The letter by the Queen Mother was discovered inside a book (Hansons Auctioneers/Cover Images)
It was discovered by chance by the seller’s grandmother in a second-hand book decades ago (Hansons Auctioneers/Cover Images)It will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers on February 26 and, thanks to its historical significance and the nation’s enduring love for The Queen Mother, could sell for hundreds of pounds. The seller, a 59-year-od teacher from Brighton, said: “It belonged to my grandmother who found it in a second-hand book she had purchased. It was being used as a bookmark. It was passed on to my mum, who sadly died in 2019 whereupon it became mine.
"It would have been purchased in Aberdeen in the late 1920s I believe. My family originate from there. Having said that, my great grandma was from Dundee where she worked in the jute mills, so that’s also a possible link.”
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
Jim Spencer, works on paper specialist at Hansons, said: “What an extraordinary discovery to make. I have no doubt it would have been a treasured possession. Aside from its importance as a royal memento, an informal photo was pinned to it, possibly showing Mrs Carmichael with Elizabeth. The original envelope was retained, too, which suggests it was treasured by Mrs Carmichael. Perhaps she placed it inside a book to keep it flat and, overtime, mislaid it.
He added: “This fascinating letter shows how the power of love circulates through all of our lives, even in royal circles. It's not dissimilar to a classic fairy tale or modern rom-com, this idea of a future king proposing three times before he finally wins the heart of his one true love.
"When Elizabeth finally agreed to marry Prince Albert, congratulations letters flooded including one from Mrs Carmichael. Elizabeth busied herself replying to them all, so much so it wore out her hand. She shared this information in the letter - signed Elizabeth Lyon - which hints at the huge excitement sparked by the royal wedding news."
Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Prince Albert, Duke of York, later King George VI. announced their engagement on January 15, 1923 (Wikimedia Commons/Cover Images)
An informal photo was pinned to the letter, possibly showing Mrs Carmichael with Elizabeth (Hansons Auctioneers/Cover Images)The letter, on ‘17 Bruton Street, WI’ letterhead, was part typewritten and part handwritten. Elizabeth explains why in the note which reads:
"Dear Mrs Carmichael,
"Thank you so much for your kind letter of congratulations which I much appreciate.
"Of course I remember the Garden Fete at Downfield.
"You will forgive only a short note I know, but I have more letters to answer than I can manage. (Handwritten) And also this typewritten letter, but my hand has almost given out!"
The find has has sparked memories of a ground-breaking royal romance a century ago. Though Elizabeth was the daughter of a peer, at that time princes were expected to marry princesses from other royal families. Prince Albert, Duke of York ‘Bertie’ however, vowed he would marry no other woman. He first proposed to Elizabeth in 1921 but she turned him down, "afraid never, never again to be free to think, speak and act as I feel I really ought to".
Queen Mary, visited the girl who had stolen her son's heart. She became convinced Elizabeth was "the one girl who could make Bertie happy", but refused to interfere. At the same time, Elizabeth was courted by James Stuart, Albert's equerry, until he left the prince's service.
Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
