More than a dozen letters and cards from Diana, Princess of Wales, to her family’s former housekeeper feature in our Out of the Ordinary sale on Tuesday 30 July. This remarkable collection offers a glimpse into the enduring bond between Diana and Violet Collison, spanning from Diana's early years to her time as Princess of Wales.
5 July 2024
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More than a dozen letters and cards from Diana, Princess of Wales, to her family’s former housekeeper are coming to auction this summer, our Out of the Ordinary sale on Tuesday 30 July will feature this remarkable collection of correspondence between the princess and the lady she affectionately called Collie.
Violet Collison, the head housekeeper to John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and his wife, Frances Ruth Roche, at Park House on the Sandringham Estate, played a significant role in the Spencer household. She witnessed the births of four Spencer children—Sarah, Jane, Diana (later Diana, Princess of Wales), and Charles. After the Spencers' marriage ended, Collison followed Frances to London in 1967, working for Frances and Peter Shand Kydd until her retirement in 1973. Collie remained close to Frances and the Spencer children until her death in 2013 at the age of 89.
A collection of unseen letters from HRH Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
This collection of cards and letters reveals that Collie remained in Diana’s thoughts throughout her life. The correspondence spans from before Diana's marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales, through the births of Princes William and Harry, and beyond. Collie was invited to the Royal Wedding on 29 July 1981, and received a ticket for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, on 6 September 6 1997.
Most of the letters to Collie are thank-you notes for Christmas and birthday presents given to Diana and her children, Prince Harry and Prince William. These notes often include a line or two about Diana's life at the time.
HRH Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) a handwritten two-page letter dated September 25th 1984 (£800-1,200)
One notable item is a double-sided letter written on Buckingham Palace notepaper, dated 8 July 8 1981, just three weeks before the Royal Wedding. In it, Lady Diana Spencer remarks: "everyone frantically busy here doing last minute decorations ... the bride to be has remained quite calm!" This letter, in its original envelope addressed in Diana’s hand, is expected to fetch £800-1,200.
Another highlight is a letter from the Princess of Wales, written from Kensington Palace on 25 September 1984, thanking her former housekeeper for a gift to Prince Harry. Diana notes that "William adores his little brother & spends the entire time pouring an endless supply of hugs & kisses over Harry." This letter, along with a Christmas card from the same year, is also estimated at £800-1,200.
HRH Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) a handwritten double-sided letter dated December 13th 1984 (£800-1,200)
Additionally, Violet Collison’s personal invitations to the Royal Wedding, including a copy of the order of service, will be auctioned alongside ticket no.109 for Diana’s funeral and other correspondence related to the Memorial Service of Diana, Princess of Wales, on 31 August 31 2007, the lot has an estimate of £200-300.
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More than a dozen letters and cards from Diana, Princess of Wales, to her family’s former housekeeper feature in our Out of the Ordinary sale on Tuesday 30 July. This remarkable collection offers a glimpse into the enduring bond between Diana and Violet Collison, spanning from Diana's early years to her time as Princess of Wales.
5 July 2024
When conducting the valuation of the late John and Collette Lewington's ceramics, we discovered a remarkable Dame Lucie Rie bowl hidden behind assorted cups. Initially estimated at £8,000-12,000, it sold for £32,500. This piece exemplifies Rie's iconic style, reflecting her journey from Austria to becoming a renowned figure in studio ceramics.
10 July 2024
A remarkable collection of Christine Keeler's personal letters and photographs is set to captivate bidders at our annual Out of The Ordinary sale on Tuesday 30 July. Offered by her friend James Birch, this archive provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the woman at the heart of the Profumo Affair, revealing her thoughts and experiences during one of the most scandalous periods in British history.
10 July 2024