Could a Letter with Young Queen Elizabeth II's Drawings Fetch £25K?

A handwritten letter penned by Queen Elizabeth II as a child has recently been sold at auction for £25,000, far exceeding initial estimates of £4,000. This one-page note, written when the then Princess Elizabeth was between 10 and 12 years old, offers a charming glimpse into her early life, including drawings and references to her childhood pets.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent auction of a childhood letter from Queen Elizabeth II has captivated the public, fetching £25,000 despite expectations of much lower bids. The auction took place in Penshurst, Kent, and has sparked interest from collectors and royal enthusiasts alike, highlighting the enduring fascination with the British monarchy and its history.

Key takeaways

The letter was written by Princess Elizabeth at Praa Sands in Cornwall between 1936 and 1940.
It contains drawings and personal notes, showcasing her childhood.
The auction price of £25,000 significantly surpassed initial estimates of £4,000.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of this letter started long before its auction. Key dates include:

1936-1940: The letter was written during this period when Princess Elizabeth was a child.
1940: The connection to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge, solidified after the tragic death of her brother-in-law during an air raid.
2024: An archive of letters, including this one, was discovered by William Westacott after the passing of his mother.
October 2023: The letter was auctioned, resulting in a remarkable sale.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The auction results and the public's enthusiastic response are recent developments. The price of £25,000 is noteworthy, as it highlights a growing interest in royal memorabilia.

What was already established

The existence of letters written by the young Princess Elizabeth was known, particularly those addressed to Beatrice Stillman. However, the specific content and the emotional connection detailed in this letter have only recently come to light.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The sale of this letter has not only economic implications but also cultural significance. It demonstrates a market for royal memorabilia that can inspire interest in history among younger generations.

Businesses and jobs

For auction houses like Hansons, this sale represents a successful event that can lead to further opportunities and potentially more high-value items being brought to auction. It also highlights the role of auctions in the heritage and collectibles market.

Policy and regulation

While this auction does not directly impact UK policy or regulation, it may prompt discussions about the preservation of royal memorabilia and the accessibility of royal history to the public.

Numbers that matter

£25,000: Final sale price of the letter at auction.
£4,000: Initial estimated value of the letter before bidding.
10-12 years: Age of Princess Elizabeth when she wrote the letter.
1940: Year of the air raid that affected the letter's recipient, Beatrice Stillman.

Definitions and jargon buster

Memorabilia: Objects collected for their historical interest or value.
Royal Lodge: A residence associated with the British Royal Family, located in Windsor.
Praa Sands: A beach in Cornwall where the letter was written.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect continued interest in royal memorabilia, with potential for upcoming auctions featuring similar items. Collectors may seek to understand market trends and valuations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitoring the auction market for royal memorabilia could reveal shifts in consumer interest and pricing strategies. This may also encourage more families with historical connections to the royal family to consider auctioning their items.

Signals to watch

Upcoming auctions featuring royal memorabilia.
Media interest in royal history and personal artefacts.
Public engagement with royal family events and anniversaries.

Practical guidance

Do

Research the history and significance of items before purchasing at auction.
Stay informed about upcoming auctions and exhibitions related to royal history.
Consider the emotional and historical value of memorabilia, not just financial.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of provenance when buying collectibles.
Don’t rush into bidding without understanding the market value.
Don’t neglect to preserve items properly after purchase.

Checklist

Verify the authenticity of memorabilia before purchase.
Consider the condition and historical context of the item.
Research previous auction results for similar items.
Understand all auction fees and terms before bidding.
Network with other collectors to gain insights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any auction, the final sale price can sometimes be influenced by factors such as publicity and market trends. The emotional connection to royal items can also skew perceived value. Additionally, while this letter is a unique find, many similar items may not have the same level of public interest, which can affect future valuations.

Bottom line

The sale of this childhood letter from Queen Elizabeth II represents not only a significant financial transaction but also a cultural moment that connects the past to the present. It illustrates the ongoing fascination with the British monarchy and may encourage more families with historical ties to the royals to share their stories and items. This could lead to further discoveries that enrich our understanding of royal history.

FAQs

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

The letter is significant as it offers a personal glimpse into the childhood of Queen Elizabeth II, revealing her early interests and personality.

How much did the letter sell for at auction?

The letter sold for £25,000, which was significantly above the initial estimated value of £4,000.

What age was Princess Elizabeth when she wrote the letter?

Princess Elizabeth was between 10 and 12 years old when she penned the letter, written between 1936 and 1940.