7th Nov, 2023 10:00
Royalty, Antiques & Fine Art Sale
168
Marion Crawford C.V.O. (known as Crawfie) (1909-1988) The disgraced Governess
Marion Crawford C.V.O. (known as Crawfie) (1909-1988) The disgraced Governess to T.R.H. The Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret from 1932-1947, fascinating archive of mostly 1940s correspondence including a letter from H.R.H The Princess Margaret dated 16th August 1946 in which she complains that Crawfie has gone away and discusses the Queen falling over and hurting her leg at Ballater. The bulk of the correspondence is between Crawfie and Colonel Robert Wynn-Hughes with whom she had a close relationship. Upon his return from the war he ran a department Store in London and supplied the Royal Family with hard to come by silk stockings. There are some very interesting insights into the Wartime Royal Household including the fact The Queen only had two pairs of stockings and the two Princesses only had two pairs between them and they were delighted when Col. Hughes obtained some more pairs for them. Col. Hughes's correspondence also includes a signed letter from American President Dwight Eisenhower and copies of his correspondence to Winston Churchill. A fascinating archive comprising approx.150 letters and other ephemera which was given to the vendor's father by the widow of Col. Hughes. All contained in Col. Hughes's leather briefcase.
N.B.When Crawfie retired in 1947 she was given a grace and favour cottage by The King for her lifetime: however, in 1950 she published a 'tell all' book entitled The Little Princesses which didn't have The Queen's approval and resulted in her leaving the cottage and being ostracised by The Royal Family who never spoke to her or acknowledged her again. This didn't prevent her from publishing more books and articles about them in the 1950s.
Sold for £1,000
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Auction: Royalty, Antiques & Fine Art Sale, 7th Nov, 2023
Storage charges:- Please note that all lots of furniture, garden statues and rugs will only be available for collection at our premises until 12pm on Friday 17th November. After which all items of furniture will be collected by R & D Schofield Removals at a cost of per lot of £10 + vat and £1 per day storage thereafter
Viewing
Friday 3rd November 1pm until 5pm
Saturday 4th November 9am until 1pm
Monday 6th November 9am until 6pm
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