A remarkable handwritten letter penned by a young King Charles, then aged 25, has surfaced over five decades later, offering a fascinating glimpse into a lavish holiday he enjoyed at a luxury Mexican beach resort while serving in the Royal Navy.
Royal Navy Stopover in 1974
The correspondence, dated 3rd April 1974, was addressed to the American hotelier Colonel Frank Brandstetter. At the time, the then Prince of Wales was serving as a Ship's Communications Officer aboard HMS Jupiter and made a stopover in the famous party destination of Acapulco.
He stayed at the upmarket Las Brisas resort, renowned for its individual swimming pools attached to each room. In the five-page letter, Charles expresses profound gratitude for the hospitality shown during his visit.
'The Greatest Possible Fun'
The future monarch vividly recalls the festivities, writing: "Your party on the last night was the greatest possible fun." He humorously adds a note of concern, stating: "I hope we didn't behave too roughly in the swimming pool or destroy anything as a result."
Charles describes being "suitably impressed and awed" by the resort's organisation, having heard glowing reviews from his own staff who had stayed there in 1970. He specifically mentions his intrigue with the "famous individual swimming pools off each room."
Historical Context and Naval Service
This period coincided with King Charles's active service in the Royal Navy during the 1970s. Prior to his posting on HMS Jupiter in 1974, he had served on the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and the frigate HMS Minerva. That same year, he qualified as a helicopter pilot.
His naval career continued with postings to 845 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Hermes, before concluding his active service in 1976 while commanding the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington.
Personal Touch and Notable Mention
The letter concludes with a personal touch, as Charles hopes that the prominent American diplomat Henry Kissinger would enjoy his honeymoon at Las Brisas, remarking: "Judging by my own experience I am sure he will."
He also expresses a light-hearted curiosity about seeing Brandstetter's "interrogation papers," a reference to the hotelier's background as a US Army intelligence officer, and muses about potentially returning to Acapulco one day.
From Private Collection to Auction
This historically significant document, signed simply 'Charles', was previously held in a private collection. It is now scheduled for sale through RR Auction on 12th February, with an estimated value of around £300.
An auction spokesperson highlighted the letter's provenance, noting it captures a moment when Prince Charles, as a Royal Navy lieutenant, enjoyed the hospitality of a legendary hotelier at a world-renowned resort.
The emergence of this correspondence provides a rare, informal insight into the youthful experiences of the monarch, contrasting his formal royal duties with memories of carefree enjoyment during his naval years.
