Good News: Letter from Charles III found in an attic
BY READERS DIGEST
4th May 2023 Good News
While most of us have things we don't use often stored away in our attics, one couple discovered they had a handwritten letter from a young Charles III to his "granny", the Queen Mother, from 1955
When you think attic, you probably think boxes of Christmas decorations, or dusty photo albums. If you’re on the superstitious side you might even think ghost. You probably don’t think handwritten letter from a member of the royal family…but that’s exactly what one couple found when clearing out their attic!
The letter
The couple, from Stratford-upon-Avon, were clearing out their loft when they stumbled across an amazing find: a handwritten letter from Charles III to his granny, the Queen Mother Elizabeth, dating back to March 15, 1955.
"The letter read, 'Granny, I am sorry that you are ill. I hope you will be better soon. Lots of love from Charles'"
The letter read, “Granny, I am sorry that you are ill. I hope you will be better soon. Lots of love from Charles.” It was found among other royal memorabilia including an invitation to a ball at Balmoral Estate.
Royal family connection
Charles III's Christening in 1948 with his grandmother, the Queen Mother, on the right. Credit: National Portrait Gallery
The couple, who chose to remain anonymous, plan to sell the memorabilia in an auction. The husband explained that the collection originally belonged to his late grandfather, Roland Stockdale.
"My late grandfather, Roland Stockdale, helped to protect the Queen Mother but he probably worked with several royals"
“My grandad, originally a farm worker from Carlisle, moved to London to find work and got a job with the Metropolitan Police,” he said. “He went on to work for the Queen’s personal protection force during the 1950s. The file includes pictures of him in the Information Room in Scotland Yard in 1952. I was told he was originally involved in helping to protect the Queen Mother but he probably worked with several royals over time.”
Get looking in your attic!
A young Prince Charles in 1957 with the royal family
The collection of royal memorabilia was passed down after Roland Stockdale’s passing, and went undiscovered for years. If you have an attic or other storage space, this is your cue to have a big clear out—who knows what hidden treasures you might find there!
Banner credit: Christine_Kohler
Read more: Quiz: Coronation trivia and royal history
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