World War II interest - H.R.H. Mary, Princess Royal and Cou...

Estimate

£50 - £80

World War II interest -
H.R.H. Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897-1965, only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary) - A letter addressed to her son Gerald Lascelles dated October 4th 1938 includes: 'How thankful one is that agreement was reached at Munich and war prevented - We were issued with gas masks at Harewood on 29th in the house and they had a very full meeting in the school that night when Mr Fitzroy spoke on what to do and not to do in the event of a raid etc..etc..Mr F. had a quantity of sand against incendiary bobs. Otherwise little happened - I don't know what I shall I have done without the Wireless, it gave the news so well and at frequent intervals. I was thrilled at hearing Mr Chamberlain's arrival at Heston on Sept 30th and especially at 10 Downing St. Another dated June 12th 1941 '...we had an air raid, the siren being in the garden nearly blew one out of bed. Heard many machines and a few explosions...; dated June 20th 1940 'We had an Air Raid alarm at 12.30 last night. Uncle George was staying for one night. We all went to the cellar and stayed till about 2.15 and heard distant explosions'; dated June 4th 1941 '....went in an armoured car also a tank on Monday! I enjoyed it so much....Do take care of your clothes as it is going to be difficult with this rationing'; and two other letters relating to wartime efforts and rationing.
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PROVENANCE:
Private collection of Angela Lascelles (wife of The Hon. Gerald Lascelles, First Cousin of Queen Elizabeth II) and thence by descent.