Description
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A rare and poignant British Royal Family Christmas card signed by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1951
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The 1951 cards were the last George VI would sign; he died just two months later
- Superb provenance from a member of the Royal household
Albert Windsor married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923. He was the second in line to the throne, after his older brother, Edward.
However, in 1936 Edward abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. Albert was forced to take the throne in his place and was crowned George VI.
His reign was defined by the second world war and the rapid decline of the British Empire that followed.
Elizabeth and George’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth II, sits on the throne today. She is Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
George VI and his wife, Elizabeth, sent this poignant card at Christmas 1951, just two months before the king died in February 1952.
As such this is a rare example of the last Christmas card George VI would sign.
The card is dated and signed "1951, George R.I." and "Elizabeth R". Both have signed boldly in black ink.
The portrait depicts Buckingham Palace and its sumptuous flower display in spring 1950.
This card comes housed in an attractive vintage frame to an overall size of 42 x 27cm.
The Christmas card has superb provenance, having been originally presented to a valued employee at Buckingham Palace and passed down through his family for more than 60 years.
The card marks the end of George's extraordinary reign, which saw him ascend the throne in astonishing circumstances, and battle speech problems to lead Britain through the second world war. A rare and beautiful piece of Royal memorabilia.
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