The News
A Glimpse into Royal Childhood: Princess Elizabeth’s Heartwarming Letters
In a delightful revelation, the British monarchy has shared the very first letter penned by a young Princess Elizabeth to her grandmother, Queen Mary.
This charming handwritten note was posted on Twitter just two days prior to the Queen's momentous 90th birthday celebration, capturing hearts across the globe.
The letter, written when Elizabeth was merely five years old, opens with a tender greeting: “Darling Granny.” It showcases the innocent handwriting of a child, expressing gratitude for a special gift.
“Thank you very much for the lovely doll's house,” she wrote.
The young royal continued, “I do love it and I have unpacked the dining room and the hall.” She signed off with “Love from Lilibet,” a nod to her childhood nickname.
This precious note is not only a glimpse into Elizabeth's early years but also features the official stationery of her family home at 145 Piccadilly, W1.
The faint guidelines visible on the paper hint at her youthful struggle with writing, while smudges reveal her attempts to correct mistakes—little details that make the letter even more endearing.
Interestingly, this letter first saw the light of day during the celebrations for the Queen's 80th birthday.
It serves as a cherished reminder of a simpler time in the life of a future monarch.
But that's not all; another letter from February 1934 showcases Elizabeth's development as she grew older.
By the age of seven, her handwriting had improved significantly.
In this note, she expressed her gratitude for a “lovely little jersey” and fondly recalled her stay at Sandringham with her grandmother.
“I lost a top front tooth yesterday morning,” she added, sharing a childhood milestone.
Elizabeth also described attending a fancy dress party filled with characters like clowns, jesters, and snowmen, making it clear that her youthful spirit was vibrant and full of joy.
In November 1938, the young royal wrote again, this time from Buckingham Palace, following a period of significant change in her family.
With King George V's passing and Edward VIII's abdication, Elizabeth was now the heir to the throne.
Her letter to Queen Mary expressed appreciation for a lovely brooch, noting its clever craftsmanship, “How clever that lady must be to make it out of a penny.”
She also mentioned the dreary weather, commenting on how foggy it must be in the channel.
A charming detail in this letter is her reference to M Corbyn, who had come to hand over dolls on behalf of the French people, showcasing her engagement with the world around her, even as a child.
Then, in March 1939, just a month before turning 13, Elizabeth penned a heartfelt letter to her grandmother, wishing her well as she recovered from a sore throat.
“I do hope it will not develop into influenza.