WARTIME PHOTO SHOWING THE QUEEN WEARING JEWELS AGAINST THE KING'S INSTRUCTIONS MARY (of Teck, 1867-1953, Queen of George V)

Rare portrait photo signed "Mary R" and dated, showing her three quarters length wearing full regalia, pearls and a tiara, the Delhi Durbar jewels and the garter sash, holding a fan, 5½" x 4", in original gilt frame 11" x 8½", in original decorative gilt frame, no place,

Lord Stamfordham, the King's Private Secretary was horrified that the Queen should be seen as so ostentatious during wartime austerity and considering many of the crowned heads of Europe were toppling. It was against the image that the King had wanted to portray as comfy and homely, suffering along with their people. This photo, which had been taken for George V and Queen Mary's Silver Wedding on 6th July 1918 was withdrawn and instead they had the King and Queen photographed with their children with the Queen and Princess Mary in white and the boys in uniform to show a family at War. This particular image came from Princess Patricia of Connaught's collection as a private present.

Item Date:  1918

Stock No:  40402