Important TLS signed “Elizabeth R,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, black-bordered Buckingham Palace mourning letterhead, no date but circa February 1952. Significant original hand-signed version of a letter regarding the death of her father, King George VI, used by Royal Printer Harrison and Sons to create facsimiles to be sent to mourners. In full: "I want to express to you my sincere thanks for the part which you took in the Vigil over The late King, my Father, in Sandringham Church from the 8th to the 11th February, 1952." In fine condition, with a vertical fold to the right of the signature. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
King George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham House on February 6, 1952, after battling various ailments for several years. From February 8th to 11th, George VI's coffin rested in St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, before lying in state at Westminster Hall from February 11th to 15th. Following the state funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, the king was interred in the royal vault. Creating this mourning message, expressing gratitude to those who kept vigil over the king at his first resting place, would have been one of Queen Elizabeth II's first official acts as sovereign—a poignant and remarkably historic piece.
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