A handwritten signed letter from George VI, detailing his discomfort at broadcasting his first Christmas message, is coming to auction tomorrow (September 4).
The Sandringham-headed letter has a £3,000 ($4,667) estimate ahead of its inclusion in International Autograph Auctions' (IAA) online Royal Auction, a valuation that we will think it will surpass, such is the interest in the story surrounding it.
 ‘The Broadcast spoilt it for me entirely’ |
In the letter to British academic Lord David Cecil, penned on December 28, 1937, George writes: "I am glad Xmas is over. The Broadcast spoilt it for me entirely!!"
George VI came to the throne late in 1936 following his brother Edward VIII's abdication to marry Wallis Simpson.
With the monarchy in turmoil there was no Christmas message that year, ensuring that 1937 was the first time George VI spoke to his people on Christmas Day.
As dramatised in 2010 movie The King's Speech, George VI's stammer was affecting him severely at this time, making for an uncomfortable experience for the king and his audience listening live in their living rooms.
The auction will include a 1939 signed letter from the former Edward VIII about errors in a Daily Express newspaper article. It has an £8,000 ($12,434) high estimate.
Also featuring will be a pair of Queen Victoria's French lawn knickers, which have a £3,000 ($4,667) valuation. A pair of Victoria's bloomers sold for £9,375 ($15,000) in 2011.
View our royal memorabilia for sale, including this Wallis Simpson handwritten signed letter from her honeymoon with Edward.
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