BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY INTEREST - a collection of various letters and other correspondence from Marion Crawford, Governess to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, mainly 1940s but including other unspecified dates, before and after, together with letters to and from Robert Wynn-Hughes (as Major and Colonel and civilian post-war), covering a vast array of subjects including day to day life within the Royal household and intimate letters from "Crawfie" to Robert, one inscribed "Please burn!" dated 4th November
"Dear Robert, I had arranged to see Michael Adeane yesterday afternoon at 3pm but the King sent for him as I entered the room - however, we had a talk this morning.
The position is: he has Barney's particulars - height and school, etc. I told him you had been in contact with this house for a good number of years and B.V. (Basil Brooke) knew you very well. Michael is getting in touch with the Adjutant and will let you know what is happening. He said nothing, at the moment, about having you to see him. You will find his name in the blue book - did I give you one? Major Michael Adeane M.V.O Assistant Private Secretary & Equerry. I presumed Barney wants to become a Regular - one of the first things Michael asked and I said "Yes". I can do nothing about a party at St. James's - these invitations are arranged by the Lord Chamberlain. I tried to find out from Meg Eggerton but she is hopelessly in the dark. You and Davina are on Princess Elizabeth's list for the forecourt so two tickets will come to you from the Master of the Household. It was with very mixed feelings I came to dinner with you - but you were so natural and made everything so easy for me. You astonished me by suggesting you could put George up for the wedding. It is a kind thought & typical of you but I could never have that happen. You and your house are, to me, something that I shall always remember as being a beautiful memory which is too sacred to destroy with other influences and I love and respect George infinitely - he is something apart too. I am putting this badly but I know you will understand. You are so kind to me - always remain like that - I feel happy to have a true friend and one, whose advice, I respect. Yours Marion B - Do not think it is fear that makes me keep George away - you see, I was completely honest with him - he knows", and others of a similar nature and subject matter, together with a letter from Princess Margaret dated 16th August 1946 on Balmoral Castle letterhead paper "My Pon Pon Govvy, (short for Governess) Lilibet and I were just saying to ourselves that it was very sad about you, but we really didn't think you'd gone as far as that. However; Thank you very much for your kind birthday wishes. It was lovely arriving at Ballater again, and wonderful to find every-thing exactly the same as last year. There are two tragedies. There ain't any grouse and we went for a 9 mile walk across the hills the other day, and Mama went and fell into a turn and made a hole in her leg which won't stop bleeding. Such a bore. But secretly I think she's enjoying not seeing a soul and having a rest. We are having a few people to stay and they are beginning to arrive so I hope she'll be better soon. She got up today and came to lunch but she can't walk yet. Goodbye. P.T.O. Lots of love Margaret", various other letters thanking Robert Wynn-Hughes for his services rendering stockings to various clientele including Dwight D Eisenhower on Office of DDE headed paper "Dear Col Hughes, Mrs Eisenhower joins me in sincerest thanks for your heart-warming message. It was most kind of you to write me as you did and encouraging to know that we will have your continued help in the task ahead. With kind regards, Sincerely Dwight D Eisenhower", also including copies of letters from Robert Wynn-Hughes to the Rt. Hon. Aneurin Bevan, Winston Churchill and others, letters from local constituency offices discussing the possibility of Robert's appointment as a candidate for M.P., etc., etc. and also including unused Buckingham Palace letterhead paper of the period, parts of letters, newspaper clippings, War Office letters relating to Wynn-Hughes, one letter of thanks presumably from Marion Crawford dated 22nd May 1946 "Dear Col. Hughes, Many thanks for changing the stockings. The others are a lovely shade. I am enclosing one that has laddered but I really do not think you can do anything with it. If you cannot, just throw it away, as I think they have worn exceptionally well. Her Majesty has been wearing her only two pair alternately, so I think it is very good for them to have lasted so long. With kind regards and many thanks for your help. Yours sincerely...." (unsigned), etc., etc., together with a folder containing several glued down letters and other ephemera including ticket to "The Coronation Procession Wednesday 12th May 1937" on Buckingham Palace card "Admit Bearer Mr and Mrs R Wynn-Hughes and two children to 145 Piccadilly B Brooke Treasurer to H.M. The Queen", hand signed, etc. (150 letters and articles plus) (Provenance: Collection to the vendor's father by Rosemary Hughes (Col. Hughes wife) for whom he did gardening/general chores for many years until she passed away. He gave them to the vendor upon the Queen's death 8.9.22 to do with as she wanted as instructed by Mrs Hughes)
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Shipping:
We can recommend a professional packing firm for any items which you are unable to collect. We are unable to ship in house.
Please ensure you are aware of the condition of your lot before bidding - refunds will not be given due to condition - please note all goods are sold as seen.
Overseas customers to settle their accounts via bank transfer.
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 6% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyer's Premium 21% + VAT
SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS: Please note invoice not settled within 14 days of the sale will be subject to interest charge at Lloyds TSB bank base rate plus 6%.
Please register for a bidding number prior to bidding. Commission and telephone bids must be submitted on the correct forms in full and received by the auctioneers the day before the sale.. The Auctioneers regret that any bids left after this time are not guaranteed to be processed/executed. Please also refer to Condition 20 of the Terms & Conditions of Sale .
Please note the estimates are guide prices only and may be subject to change.
Shipping:
We can recommend a professional packing firm for any items which you are unable to collect. We are unable to ship in house.
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