- Title: Princess Diana notes to former palace steward to be auctioned
- Date: 5th January 2017
- Summary: ETON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (FILE - SEPTEMBER 1995) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF DIANA, HARRY, WILLIAM AND CHARLES AT ETON SCHOOL
- Embargoed: 20th January 2017 14:10
- Keywords: Princess Diana Prince Charles Prince William Prince Harry Queen Elizabeth royal monarchy letters
- Location: CAMBRIDGE AND LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- City: CAMBRIDGE AND LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- Country: United Kingdom
- Reuters ID: LVA00A5XT0MS9
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS MATERIAL WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY 4:3
A series of handwritten notes by the late Princess Diana, one of which reveals that her younger son Prince Harry was constantly in trouble at school, is to be auctioned on Thursday (January 5).
The six notes, which will be sold at Cheffins auction house in Cambridge, were written to Cyril Dickman who served as chief steward of Buckingham Palace for more than 50 years.
"I think it's because these letters actually focus on her speaking to or writing to a friend about her children in the capacity as being a mother and not a royal princess necessarily and I think it comes over in a way that we can relate to," said Cheffins auctioneer Luke MacDonald.
Diana's sons Princes William and Harry feature prominently.
One message dated September 20, 1984, five days after Harry's birth, reads: "William adores his little brother and spends the entire time swamping Harry with an endless supply of hugs and kisses, hardly letting the parents near!..."
"The reaction to one tiny person's birth has totally overwhelmed us and I can hardly breathe for the mass of flowers that are arriving here!"
Another, dated October 17, 1992 says how both young princes "are well and enjoying boarding school a lot, although Harry is constantly in trouble!".
Diana's former bodyguard Ken Wharfe said the "fascination with Diana" continued because she "was instrumental in bringing the monarchy into the 21st century".
"I think also the fascination her two sons William and Harry who have really picked up this royal mantle and moved the monarchy forward in the 21st century so I think that's partly, if not the main, reason why there still remains this fascination," Wharfe said.
Other items being auctioned by Dickman's family include letters, cards, and photographs from other members of the royal family, including Prince Charles, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The entire collection is expected to raise around 15,000 pounds ($18,500). - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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