Will You Bid on a Rare Letter from Young Queen Elizabeth II?

A handwritten letter by Queen Elizabeth II as a child is set to go up for auction, with bids expected to reach up to £4,000. This charming one-page note, penned when she was between 10 and 12 years old, features drawings and playful inquiries about the well-being of birds and goldfish, showcasing a glimpse into the young princess's life.

Last updated: 27 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The letter, addressed to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge in Windsor, is generating considerable interest as it approaches its auction date on 27 February 2024. Auctioneers Hansons Auctioneers are anticipating bids that could soar up to £4,000, driven by the letter's historical significance and personal nature. This sale provides a rare opportunity for collectors and royal enthusiasts alike to acquire a piece of royal history.

Key takeaways

The letter was written by Princess Elizabeth between 1936 and 1940.
It features drawings and whimsical questions about pets.
The auction is set for 27 February 2024, with bids expected to start at £4,000.
The letter was found among a collection of correspondence to Beatrice Stillman.
It reflects a personal connection between the royal family and their staff.

Timeline: how we got here

The letter's journey begins in Cornwall, where it was written by a young Princess Elizabeth during a family holiday. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to the auction:

1936-1940: Princess Elizabeth writes the letter while staying in Praa Sands, Cornwall.
1940: The letter is sent to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge.
2024: The letter is discovered by William Westacott among a collection of letters after the passing of his mother.
27 February 2024: The letter is set to be auctioned by Hansons Auctioneers.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the auction date approaches, fresh details have emerged about the letter’s content, including its whimsical nature and the royal family's personal connections to their staff. Justin Matthews, of Hansons Auctioneers, has highlighted its beauty and rarity, noting that such artefacts rarely appear on the market.

What was already established

It was known that Queen Elizabeth II had a childhood connection to Royal Lodge and that she communicated with staff members. The discovery of this letter adds a tangible piece to the historical narrative of her early life, providing insight into her personality as a child.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The auction of this letter may lead to increased interest in royal memorabilia, potentially influencing the market for similar items. Collectors might feel encouraged to invest in royal artefacts, which could drive prices up for other historical letters and memorabilia.

Businesses and jobs

Hansons Auctioneers, a UK-based auction house, stands to benefit from the heightened interest in this letter. The auction could attract a wider audience, including international bidders, boosting the company’s profile and sales. Additionally, it may spur interest in other historical items available at auction.

Policy and regulation

While this auction does not directly relate to policy changes, the increasing interest in royal memorabilia might prompt discussions around the preservation of such items within museums or public institutions. Collectors and historians may advocate for better documentation and protection of royal heritage.

Numbers that matter

£4,000: Expected maximum bid for the letter at auction.
1936-1940: The approximate years when the letter was written.
27 February 2024: The scheduled auction date.
27: The number of letters found in the collection belonging to Beatrice Stillman.
2: The number of young daughters of Beatrice Stillman who played with the princesses at Royal Lodge.

Definitions and jargon buster

Royal Lodge: A residence in Windsor used by members of the British royal family.
Head housemaid: The senior maid responsible for managing household staff and overseeing daily operations.
Auctioneers: Individuals or companies that conduct the sale of items through bidding.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Potential bidders should prepare for the auction by researching similar sales and determining their budgets. Engaging with auction houses and understanding bidding processes can help bidders feel more confident.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the auction concludes, collectors may see a shift in the market for royal memorabilia. Those interested in collecting or selling similar items should stay informed about upcoming auctions and trends in the market.

Signals to watch

Final sale price of the letter on 27 February 2024.
Interest levels in other royal memorabilia at upcoming auctions.
Media coverage of the auction and subsequent sales.

Practical guidance

Do

Research the provenance of any royal memorabilia before purchasing.
Set a budget and stick to it during auctions.
Engage with auction houses to understand their processes.

Don’t

Don't bid impulsively; take time to consider your bids.
Don't overlook the importance of condition and provenance when evaluating items.
Don't ignore the potential for future value in historical items.

Checklist

Determine your interest in royal memorabilia.
Research similar auction results to gauge potential value.
Familiarise yourself with the bidding process of the auction house.
Consider joining collector groups for insights and advice.
Plan for potential additional costs, such as buyer’s premiums.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the auction is generating excitement, potential bidders should be aware of the risks involved in purchasing memorabilia. The value of such items can fluctuate based on market demand and personal perceptions of historical significance. Additionally, while the letter is expected to fetch a high price, there is no guarantee of its sale reaching the projected £4,000. Bidders should also consider authentication and provenance to avoid counterfeit items.

Bottom line

The upcoming auction of Queen Elizabeth II's handwritten letter offers a unique glimpse into her childhood and highlights the royal family's relationship with their staff. As interest in royal memorabilia grows, this sale may set precedents for future auctions and influence collector behaviour in the UK and beyond.

FAQs

What is the significance of the letter written by Queen Elizabeth II?

The letter is significant as it provides a personal insight into the early life of Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing her childhood interests and her relationship with household staff.

When is the auction taking place?

The auction is scheduled for 27 February 2024, where bids are expected to start around £4,000.

How was the letter discovered?

The letter was found in a suitcase under the bed of Jean Dicker's mother, after she passed away, revealing a collection of correspondence between the young princess and Beatrice Stillman.