Full Breakdown
Childhood Letter of Queen Elizabeth II Fetches £25,000 at Auction
2/28/2026, 4:57:58 AM
Auction Highlights and Sale Details
A childhood letter written by Queen Elizabeth II has sold for £25,000 at auction, significantly exceeding its estimated value of £4,000. The auction took place at Hansons Auctioneers in Penshurst, Kent, and generated considerable excitement, described by Charles Hanson as a “wild” response. The letter, a single-page correspondence addressed to Beatrice Stillman, the head housemaid at Royal Lodge in Windsor, was penned when the future queen was approximately 10 years old, during a holiday in Praa Sands, Cornwall, between 1936 and 1940.
Content of the Letter
In the letter, Queen Elizabeth II inquires about the well-being of the birds and goldfish, reflecting her early affection for animals. She also mentions primroses she had picked, requesting that they be shared among the staff at Royal Lodge. The letter features doodles of dogs, horses, and children, showcasing the young princess's creativity and interests. Justin Matthews from Hansons Auctioneers noted that the letter reveals the observant and kind nature of the future queen, characteristics that persisted throughout her life.
Historical Context and Discovery
The letter is part of a collection of correspondence that was discovered in 2024 by William Westacott, Beatrice Stillman’s great-nephew, in a suitcase under his mother’s bed. The letters had been passed down through the family after Stillman’s death in 1993. The collection provides a rare glimpse into the informal communications between the royal household and its domestic staff during the late 1930s. The royal connection to the Stillman family deepened during World War II when the Queen Mother invited Stillman’s sister and her daughters to visit Royal Lodge after the tragic death of Stillman’s brother-in-law in an air raid.
Broader Implications and Interest
The auction attracted bidders from around the world, including New York and Hong Kong, indicating a significant international interest in royal memorabilia. Justin Matthews expressed that the discovery of the letter gave him “goosebumps,” emphasizing its unique historical value. The sale of the letter not only highlights the personal history of Queen Elizabeth II but also serves as a charming reminder of her childhood, resonating with the public during challenging times.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are already seeing a great deal of interest in this incredible letter which, as well as revealing the innermost concerns of the future queen, is an important and charming historic document.” — Justin Matthews, Hansons Auctioneers
- “Justin Matthews, from Hansons Auctioneers Penshurst saleroom, said: “When I first saw the letter, it gave me goosebumps.” — Justin Matthews, Hansons Auctioneers
- “Mr Hanson described the letter as "something that the nation can rejoice at", adding: "In these difficult, testing times it makes us see a side of life that we can really enjoy.” — Charles Hanson, Hansons Auctioneers
This auction not only reflects the enduring fascination with the British royal family but also underscores the personal stories that connect them to the public.
