GREIG (Group-Captain Sir Louis, 1880-1953, Comptroller, 1920-1923, and from 1924 Gentleman Usher to the Duke of York (George VI) and to Elizabeth II)

Autograph Letter signed to Seaton, thanking him for his "very charming letter. The older one grows, the more one sees of life, the more one appreciates a friendly letter from a good friend & I can only say that it has been the greatest pleasure to have served with you in the Duke of York's household. I know the difficulties you have had to contend with and the way you have tackled them, & I am very grateful indeed for your loyal cooperation. In many ways I am glad to go, but in some ways I am sorry to leave chiefly because it is never quite easy to part cheerfully from those with whom one has been associated so long and so pleasantly ...", 1 side 8vo., Ladderstile, Kingston Hill, 3rd March no year but circa separated on central fold but professionally repaired

Greig entered officer training at the Royal Naval College, Osborne in 1909, where he met Prince Albert, later George VI. He served as a mentor for the gauche and diffident prince, and the two served together in HMS Cumberland, where he was posted as a surgeon. He continued to mentor and advise the Prince acting as a surrogate father and encouraging his social life. He encouraged the Duke of York's courtship of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, which was ultimately to have significant consequences for Greig's relations with the Duke. While he was made a CVO for his services, Elizabeth, as Duchess of York, gradually displaced him as an intimate of the Duke. Ultimately, Greig was omitted from a royal tour of the Balkans and consequently resigned his equerryship. However, he was created a Gentleman Usher in Ordinary on 1 March 1924.
From the collection of Percy George SEATON (1894-1971), steward to the Duke of York and Household Steward to the Duke and Duchess, (1923-1926). He attended the York's wedding at Westminster Abbey and was responsible for running their household and the receptions that the young couple held. During WWI Mr Seaton had served in France with the Royal Horse Guards and in 1919 took up special duties with Prince Henry and Prince George. He left the Duke and Duchess owing to a serious operation (performed by George V's surgeon) to go into the hotel business, then in WWII joined the RAF. He was assigned to furnishing and catering aboard the Avro 'York' Transport adapted to carry VIPs, in particular the King and Mr Churchill. When George VI flew to North Africa in 1944 he was delighted to re-introduce Mr Seaton to the Queen and Princess Elizabeth on the runway.

Item Date:  1926

Stock No:  37830      £125

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