History

Lot 28 History

Description

Handwritten and signed letter from Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) to her midwife "Rowie", written on 24 October 1959. The royal letter is addressed to Sister Helen "Rowie" Rowe, who as midwife attended all four of Elizabeth II's births, was in close correspondence with her and can be described as her confidante. These lines were written in a very eventful year for the monarch, as can be seen from the contents of the letter. In addition to a brief mention of the first trip to Canada after her coronation as head of state in 1953 and the subsequent relaxing stay with her family in Balmoral, it is above all a final sentence that characterises this letter and makes you sit up and take notice: "[...] It has taken a long time to get the parents used to the idea, too, being so very much out of the baby world [...]". This phrase refers to the birth of Prince Andrew in February 1960, and the statement that she and her husband first had to get used to the idea of having another child suggests that the news of the new pregnancy came as a surprise. Despite the seemingly unexpected news, the mother-to-be's joy prevails at the end of the letter when the Queen concludes: " [...] but it is lovely to feel that there will soon be another baby [...]". Another characteristic of this very personal letter is the loving relationship with Helen Rowe, which the reader senses in every line, especially in the first paragraph, in which she expresses her relief at the news from her personal physician that "Rowie" would be by her side again as midwife for this pregnancy. The wording is as follows: Dear Rowie, It was kind of you to write to me when I first knew you would be able to come and look after me again â it was very remiss of me not to have written before to thank you and to tell you how pleased and releaved I was when Mr. Peel (Note: Possibly Sir John Harold Peel, gynaecologist to Elizabeth II.) told me you would be free to come! Now I am back in London until Christmas time, and it would be lovely to see you, whenever you can manage it, as I see from your letter you are away in October. Do just let me know and we will try and manage something! I am very well, and have benefitted greatly from two months of unbroken sunshine and outdoor life at Balmoral â we all have and were needing the rest pretty [-crossed out letter-] badly after Canada! The children were very exicted at the news of the baby, especially Charles, who loves small children! Anne is getting more used to the idea now! It has taken the parents a long time to get used to the idea, too, being so very much out oft he baby world. but it is lovely to feel that there will soon be another baby in the nursery. Hoping to see you soon. Yours sincerely Elizabeth R. The letter being auctioned is not only a valuable historical document relating to the above-mentioned events at the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, but also an intimate insight into the facets of a young woman and mother-to-be not intended for the public. Two sheets written on both sides (each approx. 19.1 x 12.1 cm), in blue ink, letterhead each with the royal coat of arms embossed in relief in red colour and the lettering WINDSOR CASTLE, written by the Queen herself and signed "Elizabeth R". Each with traces of use typical of age. Each with clearly legible ink, each with traces of folding in the centre. Provenance: English private property, Bonhams Bath 16 June 2006, lot 119 (as part of a mixed lot), English private property