As the saying goes, 'Every picture tells a story,' and it seems that even the royals aren't immune to the occasional self-deprecating quip about their own portraits. In a delightful peek behind the royal curtain, a note penned by King Charles, back when he was the Prince of Wales, has surfaced, revealing his candid thoughts on his own Christmas card portrait. This revelation comes as a treasure trove of royal memorabilia, once belonging to the late photography expert Alan Maxwell, is set to go under the hammer.

The year was 1993, and Charles, then Prince of Wales, was in the process of selecting the perfect image for his annual Christmas card. Among the contenders were a charming set featuring him in a kilt alongside his young sons, Princes William and Harry, and another with the late Princess Diana and the boys. In a handwritten note to Mr. Maxwell, Charles expressed his gratitude for the photographer's efforts in creating the Christmas cards from what he humorously referred to as 'some pretty unpromising material!'

'Dear Mr Maxwell, I just wanted to thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into producing possible Christmas cards for me this year,' Charles wrote. 'I couldn't be more pleased with what you have achieved from some pretty unpromising material! I thought you did wonders in interpreting my ideas of having a card made up of three small pictures, and only narrowly preferred the group version in the end. I only hope it is appreciated by several thousand recipients.'

King Charles humorously referred to the ‘unpromising material’ for his 1993 Christmas card portraits in a note to late photographer Alan Maxwell. Credit: The Royal Family / Instagram

The note is a testament to Charles's wit and the warm relationship he had with Mr. Maxwell, who was the go-to photography expert for the royals. It's a rare glimpse into the personal side of the royal family, who often maintain a formal front in public.

The collection, which was discovered in a cardboard box 15 years after Mr. Maxwell's death, includes more than just Christmas cards. It features a wealth of photographs, letters, and thank you notes written by various members of the royal family over the years. The auction, hosted by Hansons Auctioneers, is expected to attract significant interest, with estimates that the collection could fetch upwards of £8,000.

Among the other royal revelations is a humorous note from the late Queen Elizabeth II, explaining to Mr. Maxwell that her corgi puppies had taken a liking to one of the royal photographs – a little too much, in fact, as they had eaten it. Another letter from Princess Diana thanks Mr. Maxwell for his swift action in a time of need, showcasing the personal connections and reliance the royals had on their trusted photographer.

The auction also includes a variety of professional images of Diana, Princess of Wales, taken during the 1980s and 90s, including her 21st birthday portrait by Snowden. A 1984 Christmas card signed by both Diana and Charles, featuring a young Prince William and baby Prince Harry, is another highlight, as is a touching 1988 Christmas card from Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh with a photo of Elizabeth holding an infant Princess Beatrice.

The most valuable lot is a typed and signed letter from Queen Elizabeth to Mr. Maxwell, thanking him for his good wishes on her and the Duke of Edinburgh's golden wedding anniversary, along with 13 photo memorandums signed 'ER'. The note humorously mentions a repeat for a picture of Harold Wilson and the Queen that had been carried in his wallet for years, as well as a request for copies of photos of her prize-winning Jersey cows.

This auction not only offers a fascinating insight into the royal family's history but also pays homage to Alan Maxwell, a man of discretion and perfectionism, who earned the respect and trust of one of the most photographed families in the world.

Key Takeaways

• King Charles made a self-deprecating remark about the 'unpromising material' for his 1993 Christmas card portraits in a note to late photographer Alan Maxwell.
• The note and a collection of royal memorabilia, including photographs and thank-you cards from over the years, were found after Mr. Maxwell's death and are now up for auction.
• Memorabilia includes items from different royals such as Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, with expected auction values ranging from £250 to over £700 for various lots.
• The collection provides a rare glimpse into the personal side of the royal family's relationship with their trusted photography expert and is considered significant in terms of royal history.

As we marvel at the intimate and often amusing correspondence between the royals and their photographer, it's a reminder that behind the grandeur and formality, there's a touch of the relatable and human in the lives of the monarchy. So, as these royal relics find new homes, they carry with them stories and secrets that add depth to our understanding of the royal family's personal narrative.

 

[Barbara V]

Reckon you could go a whole week without mentioning the royal family ,I doubt it !!