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Queen's childhood letter fetches £25,000
1 Mar
Summary
- A child's letter from Queen Elizabeth II sold for £25,000 at auction.
- The letter was written between 1936 and 1940, showing care for animals and staff.
- It was discovered in a suitcase belonging to Beatrice Stillman's niece.
A rare handwritten letter penned by Queen Elizabeth II during her childhood has achieved a remarkable £25,000 at auction in Kent. This sum far surpassed initial expectations for the historical document. The letter, dated between 1936 and 1940 when the Queen was approximately ten years old, was addressed to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The contents of the letter showcase a young Elizabeth's compassionate nature, expressing concern for the well-being of animals and household staff. She notably inquires about the birds and goldfish, requesting that primroses she picked be shared with other staff members. The letter also features doodles of dogs, horses, and children, reflecting her known fondness for animals.
This significant artifact was unearthed in 2024 within a suitcase found under the bed of Jean Westacott, Beatrice Stillman's niece, after her passing. Auctioneers described the find as a "wow" moment, providing a charming historical document. The sale also included a note from Princess Margaret, though her message was of a more personal, sartorial nature, contrasting with Elizabeth's focus on care and welfare.
