THOMAS (Sir Godfrey John Vignoles, 10th Baronet, 1889-1968, Courtier, Assistant Private Secretary to Edward VIII)

Typed Letter Signed to Mrs J.E.C. Bodley saying that he is “commanded by the King to convey to you and your two sons His Majesty’s sincere thanks for the specially bound copy of your late husband’s book ‘The Coronation of King Edward the Seventh’ which he has been pleased to accept. His Majesty much appreciated the terms of the letter which accompanied this volume...”, 1 side 4to., Buckingham Palace headed mourning paper, 5th February

Edward VIII had become King on the death of his father, George V, on 20th January 1936.
The book referred to is a book on the Coronation of King Edward VII which was bound by the famous binder, Douglas Cockerell, in 1903 for George V when Prince of Wales, at the request of John E. C. BODLEY (1853-1925, Civil Servant and Writer, Father of Ava). Bodley had written this volume by royal command, and was rewarded with an MVO. However, he was disgruntled at not receiving a greater honour so he returned the order the following day and did not ever present this book. After the deaths of both King George V and Bodley, his widow and two young sons finally sent the book to the new monarch, King Edward VIII. The book is in the Royal Collection Trust.
In 1919 Thomas became Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales, and succeeded to his father's baronetcy the same year. In 1922 he was invested as a Companion of the Order of the Star of India. Following the accession of the Prince of Wales to the throne, he became Assistant Private Secretary to King Edward VIII.

Item Date:  1936

Stock No:  43031      £75

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