Queen Elizabeth II's Childhood Letter Sells for £25,000 at Auction
A charming handwritten letter penned by Queen Elizabeth II as a child has sold for an impressive £25,000 at auction in Kent, dramatically surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £4,000. The single-page note, written when the late monarch was approximately ten years old, was addressed to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
"Wild" Auction Response and Historical Significance
Charles Hanson of Hansons Auctioneers described the response to the sale as "wild," highlighting the intense interest in this rare personal artifact. The letter is believed to have been written between 1936 and 1940, during a period when the young princess was enjoying holidays at Praa Sands in Cornwall.
In the letter, the future queen expressed her hopes that "the birds are well, and the gold-fish haven’t died," showcasing her early affection for animals. She also mentioned picking primroses and requested they be shared among the staff at Royal Lodge, signing off with "Love from Elizabeth."
Discovery in a Suitcase and Archival Treasures
This letter was part of a larger archive discovered in 2024, which had been passed to Jean Westacott, Beatrice Stillman's niece. The documents were found in a suitcase under her bed by family members after her death. The collection included several letters addressed to Ms. Stillman, who joined the royal household in 1936.
Justin Matthews from Hansons Auctioneers Penshurst saleroom recounted his initial reaction: "When I first saw the letter, it gave me goosebumps. Queen Elizabeth II, as we remember her – with her love of dogs and horses – is astoundingly evident in this letter penned by her younger self."
Contrasting Sisterly Notes and Idyllic Childhood
The archive also contained a note from Princess Margaret, which read: "Beatrice! Please could you look after my bathing suit? Margaret." Mr. Matthews observed, "While Princess Elizabeth's concerns are all about her pets and the welfare of staff, Princess Margaret's are slightly more sartorial. Both seem rather fitting for the women they grew up to be."
He noted that the letter would have been written before May 1940, when the sisters moved to Windsor Castle, capturing an idyllic pre-war childhood moment. "The letter speaks of an idyllic childhood holiday before the war, when Cornwall was a popular destination for affluent and aristocratic families," Matthews explained.
Cultural Context and Enduring Fascination
Matthews added historical context: "In those days, it was very common for children to correspond with household staff they were fond of – especially those who helped take care of their home life." He emphasized the document's significance, stating, "We are already seeing a great deal of interest in this incredible letter which, as well as revealing the innermost concerns of the future queen, is an important and charming historic document."
The sale underscores the enduring public fascination with the personal lives of the royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned seven decades. This childhood artifact offers a poignant glimpse into her formative years, long before she ascended the throne.
