Beschreibung:

Christmas card with twin gilt cyphers to cover and a colour photograph of the then Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales sitting on a swing and holding a young Prince William. Inscribed in black ink 'to you both' and 'from Charles and' in his own hand, 'Diana' in her own hand. Together with envelope and a gift card with Royal cipher in blue, inscribed in black ink 'A very happy and inebriated Xmas to you both! Charles' in his own hand. The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate that was established in 1337 and which funds the public, charitable and private activities of the Prince of Wales and his family. The Land Steward is the public face of the Duchy and is responsible for all aspects of Duchy property and land management. John Hitchings LVO (1929-2020) first became a Land Steward for the Duchy of Cornwall in 1959. At that time King Charles the then Prince of Wales, was still a minor and John initially worked for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip who temporarily represented the Duchy. Initially John was based in the Bath office of the Duchy, but in 1978 he moved to Bradninch in Devon, where he established a Central District office which managed over 75, 000 acres, including large areas of Dartmoor and the South West Foreshore. During his time at the Duchy, he and his wife Christina attended the Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana and he managed many Royal visits over the years. King Charles was described as being very ‘hands-on’ and involved in the running of the Duchy and John had regular contact over the years. John was awarded ‘Member of The Victorian Order’ (MVO) & then ‘Lieutenant of The Victorian Order’ (LVO). He went on to give decades of trusted, loyal service and was a valued and respected employee of King Charles whilst he was The Prince of Wales, which is reflected in these many years of cards, gifts and letters that he received from his Royal Highness. A very special collection.