While Christmas with the royal family might include an element of formality, a letter from the latePrincess Dianareveals the holiday withPrince WilliamandPrince Harrywas all about childhood fun.
In a heartfelt letter dated December 5, 1990 (William would have been 8 years old and Harry 6), Diana shared her sons’ love of the festive season. “The boys are thrilled at the prospect of Christmas on the horizon and have searched high and low for any parcels that might be coming their way!”
The letter was addressed to Ivy Woodward, a mother whom she had recently befriended while visitingPrince Charlesin the hospital earlier that autumn. Charles was being treated for a broken arm at the same hospital as Woodward’s son, who lay in a coma following a motorbike accident.
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Diana also offered personal advice to Woodward, who appeared to have had a falling out with her son’s wife, Jane, following his accident.
“It was lovely to hear that Dean has improved so much but he wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for his mother and your determination and strength to get him back to full health again,” Diana wrote.
“Maybe Dean’s lady feels resentment for not being able to cope with that situation back in August and that can produce guilt and in turn confusion arrived and people are hurt and now Dean has arrived home and she (Jane) has turned very possessive. You mustn’t worry about it as time will iron things out.”
Princess Diana Christmas letter up for auction.LawrencesAuctioneers/BNPS
In a cursive typeface, the letter “D” sits underneath a coronet, which features two crosses pattée (a type of Christian cross), four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves. The words “Kensington Palace” sit at the bottom, exactly as Kate’s does today.
Princess Diana thank you notes up for auction.LawrencesAuctioneers/BNPS
Diana signed it off with a hint of her cheeky sense of humor: “Thank you from the boss’s wife, love from Diana.”
Princess Diana letter up for auction.LawrencesAuctioneers/BNPS
Both Kate and Meghan regularly write handwritten notes of thanks using monogrammed stationery. After returning from a recent tour of Pakistan with William,Kate sent a letter to local designerKhadijah Shah, founder of the Pakistani label Elan, in gratitude for her “time and effort” in preparing a selection of outfits for the royal mom to wear.
Meghan also sent thank you notesto those who contributed to the issue of BritishVogueshe guest edited earlier this year.
source: people.com
