PRINTED LETTER OF RESPONSE TO CONDOLENCE LETTERS ON THE DEATH OF PRINCESS DIANA [ELIZABETH II (1926-2022, Longest Serving Monarch of Great Britain)]

Printed Letter on behalf of the Royal Family, on the occasion of the death of Princess Diana, this one addressed to the Reverend Thomas GIBSON (1924-2019, Vicar of Rowde, Poulshot and Badminton) saying that “The Queen, The Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry and all the members of the family are most grateful for your thoughtful expression of sympathy on the sudden and tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales...”, with an autograph postscript from the Lady in Waiting thanking him “for sending the list of names for Her Majesty to see...”, 1 side A4 with original typed envelope with the Royal stamp, on Balmoral Castle headed paper, 6th October

Princess Elizabeth became secretly engaged to Philip in 1946, when Philip asked King George VI for his daughter's hand in marriage. The King granted his request providing any formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth's 21st birthday the following April. On her twenty-first birthday, 21st April 1947, Princess Elizabeth was with her parents and younger sister on a tour of South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. Their engagement was officially announced on 9th July 1947.
Thomas Gibson met the Queen on this trip, her first visit to South Africa. He had been there during the war and stayed afterwards. They were staying in a hostel with the men and women on separate floors. In the night he went out of the hostel at the same time as she did and they bumped into each other. Despite the young Princess being in what might be described as a state of déshabillé they became firm friends and corresponded for the rest of their lives.
Provenance. By descent from the family.

Item Date:  1997

Stock No:  41792      £275

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