🎨 SPECIAL NOTE – RELATED ESTATE ITEM: This historic document was preserved directly alongside another magnificent piece from Mr. Ballantyne's estate: a unique, presentation-framed pair of Wilson Silsby Trial Proof Etchings, hand-inscribed directly to the surgeon by the Los Angeles Research Study
Sensational Royal History: 1974 HMY Britannia Childhood Letter from David Linley to Royal Surgeon — Mentions Prince Edward!
Type: Historical Manuscript Letter & Envelope
Year: 1974
Sender: David Linley (David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon — Nephew to Queen Elizabeth II)
Recipient: Mr. John C. Ballantyne, FRCS, CBE (Eminent Royal ENT Surgeon)
Royal Family Mentioned: Prince Edward (Duke of Edinburgh), Lady Sarah Chatto
Stationery: Official Red Embossed H.M. Yacht Britannia Letterhead & Seal
Postal Marking: Rare Hand-Stamped "MARITIME MAIL" Postmark (13 Aug 1974)
This is an absolutely extraordinary piece of 20th-century British Royal Family history. This is a complete, original two-page letter written and signed by a 12-year-old David Linley (Viscount Linley, now the 2nd Earl of Snowdon), nephew to Queen Elizabeth II and first cousin to King Charles III.
Dated 11th August 1974, the letter is written entirely in the young Viscount's hand on official H.M. YACHT BRITANNIA red-embossed stationery and includes its original matching envelope addressed to his Harley Street surgeon, Mr. John C. Ballantyne.
Incredible Childhood Content & Royal Insights:
The letter was penned while the young royal was recovering from ear surgery during the Royal Family's annual summer cruise aboard the royal yacht. The content is absolutely marvellous, detailing childhood adventures with his royal cousins:
He thanks Mr. Ballantyne for "doing my ear so well" and finishing his "pink pills."He details a thrilling afternoon excursion onto a naval frigate with his sister Sarah and his cousin Prince Edward (the current Duke of Edinburgh), writing: "...Sarah, my cousin Edward and I went + fired a pistol and a machine gun at a box in the sea!"
He mentions their upcoming schedule to cruise out to see an “oil rig on Tuesday.”
Rare Postal & Philatelic History:
The accompanying envelope is addressed to Mr. J.C. Ballantyne, 61 Harley Street, W.1. and is marked "Personal". The reverse features the beautiful red embossed Royal Crest seal. Crucially for collectors, it bears a highly scarce and crisp "MARITIME MAIL" cancellation stamp dated 13 August 1974, indicating it was processed directly off the yacht while at sea.
The Full Letter Transcription
H.M. YACHT BRITANNIA11 August 1974
Dear Mr. Ballantyne,
Thank you so much for doing my ear so well, and I have just finished the pink pills. This afternoon we went on a frigate and Sarah, my cousin Edward and I went + fired a pistol and a machine gun at a box in the sea. The weather has been lovely so far, and we are going to see an oil rig on Tuesday. Please thank the matron for being so kind to me. When you go on holiday I hope you have good weather and have a good rest.
Yours Sincerely,
David
Condition:
The letter and envelope are in phenomenal vintage condition. The handwriting is entirely legible and bold. It has been meticulously preserved for over 50 years within the private professional archive of the Ballantyne family.
🎨 SPECIAL NOTE – RELATED ESTATE ITEM: This historic document was preserved directly alongside another magnificent piece from Mr. Ballantyne's estate: a unique, presentation-framed pair of Wilson Silsby Trial Proof Etchings, hand-inscribed directly to the surgeon by the Los Angeles Research Study
