Lot 238: Beckwith-Smith, Anne. Typed Letter Signed on Buckingham Palace Letterhead. 1982. (Signed)
This framed collection of royal ephemera and memorabilia is centred on a Typed Letter Signed (TLS) from Buckingham Palace, dated 11 October 1982. The letter is typed on official stationery featuring a red royal crest and is signed by Anne Beckwith-Smith in her role as Lady-in-Waiting. Addressed to Miss Ann Whitford of 111 Wellington Street, Millom, Cumbria, the text conveys the thanks of the Prince and Princess of Wales for a commemorative picture sent as a gift for Prince William following his birth.
The assembly also includes the original typed envelope addressed to Miss Whitford, featuring a red London SW1 postmark. Accompanying these items is a newspaper clipping from the Evening Mail, dated Tuesday 10 September 1985, featuring an article by Coombe Comber titled ‘with plenty going’. The article provides provenance, detailing Miss Whitford’s prize-winning embroidery work and referencing the gift sent to the Royal Family. The final component is a dark blue commemorative card or photograph commemorating the birth of HRH Prince William on 21 June 1982. The items are professionally presented in a multi-aperture cream mount and housed in a modern black frame.
Condition report:
The primary typed letter is in good condition with light age-related toning. The newspaper clipping shows more pronounced browning consistent with newsprint of this age. The envelope displays minor creasing. The commemorative card appears well-preserved. The frame is modern and remains wrapped in protective plastic film. Orange and white auction lot stickers are present on the frame.
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