Royal family
Substantial collection of signed Christmas cards and photographs
£8,820
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs
Auction: 8 February 2023 at 10:00 GMT
Description
each a single bifolium of thick card stock with gilt monogram(s) to front and printed greeting and mounted photograph to inside (most in colour), and comprising:
1) Charles III (1948-) and Diana (1961-1997) as Prince and Princess of Wales, 4 cards each signed by Charles and Diana and addressed 'To you both' by Charles, one with printed greeting dated 1992 (i.e. the final year in which Charles and Diana sent a joint Christmas card), the rest undated, one card with fading to photograph (black and white) and faint mark opposite. Together with a portrait photograph of Charles and Diana, signed by both and dated 1992 (mounted and in glass frame, image dimensions 12 x 10 cm, approximate mount dimensions 18 x 14 cm, signatures slightly faded), 3 further photographic portraits (Charles and Diana together, and each separately, mounted, unsigned) and 2 cards without salutation and with presumably autopen signatures ('from Charles and Diana');
2) Charles III (1948-), 12 signed cards, of which 4 personally addressed by Charles to 'Philip and Margaret' (including one with additional hand-written greeting 'and kindest regards from ...'), one addressed 'To you both' with additional hand-written greeting, and 7 addressed 'To you both'. Together with a portrait photograph of Charles, signed and dated 1997 (in original green leatherette frame with badge of the Prince of Wales gilt-stamped to head, image dimensions 12 x 10cm, signature faded)
3) Prince Andrew, Duke of York (1960-), and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (1959-), 5 cards, signed by both Sarah and Andrew, each addressed to 'Philip and Margaret' or similar in Sarah's hand, one card rather spotted and with frayed spine, another finger-marked.
Together with a signed portrait photograph of King Constantine of Greece dated 1989, and 7 Halcyon Days Enamels screw-top trinket boxes, each commemorating a tour undertaken by Charles and Diana or Charles singly, inscribed on reverse of lid 'Presented by Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales' or similar, retaining original boxes decorated with badge of the Prince of Wales in gilt