Description:

George VI of England King

Incredible archive involving King George VI whose struggles were highlighted by the Oscar winning movie "The King's Speech", includes a rare invitation and ceremonial booklet for the funeral of the King

On February 6, 1952, King George VI died at the age of 56. His eldest daughter succeeded him as Queen Elizabeth II. On February 15, 1952, King George VI was buried in St.George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Joseph Kingsbury-Smith (1908-1999) was the European General Manager of the International News Service, a part of the Hearst organization, from 1936-1955. He was invited to attend the King’s funeral.



(1) Black-bordered printed invitation, 8” x 13”, blind embossed seal of the Earl Marshal of England at top center, filled out in manuscript. In full, “Earl Marshal’s Office, St. James’s Palace, S.W. Funeral of His Late Majesty King George VI at the Royal Chapel of Saint George, at Windsor, on Friday, 15th February, 1952. The Earl Marshal has it in Command from The Queen to invite Mr Kingsbury Smith Esq. to be present at the Royal Chapel of Saint George, at Windsor, on the occasion of the Funeral of His Late Majesty King George VI. A reply is requested on the form attached hereto, and in the enclosed envelope, at the earliest possible moment.” “Gentlemen – Full Dress with Trousers / Ladies – Morning Dress” have been crossed out. Mailing folds, creases. Fine condition.



(2) Printed booklet, “Ceremonial / to be observed at the Funeral of / His Late Majesty / King George the Sixth / of Blessed Memory / February 15th, 1952,” 40 pages, 8” x 13”. London: Harrison & Sons Printers to His late Majesty The King, 1952. Black-bordered cover, lower right corner missing, minor chips at edges. Numerical ink notation on blank back cover in unknown hand. Fine condition. Large 4” x 5” British Royal Seal depicting the lion and the unicorn on cover. The Order of the Ceremonial lists the names of all those taking part in the procession of the Royal Coffin from Westminster Hall, where the late King had lied in state, to St.George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for burial, beginning with the military of all nations, the carriage carrying Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and the Princess Royal, Princess Mary, only sister of George VI, followed by the Dukes of Kent, Windsor (Edward VIII), Gloucester, and Edinburgh (Prince Philip), and Heads of State, British and Foreign Royalty, and Heads of Foreign Delegations. British and Foreign Royalty rode in carriages. Others in the procession included the Household of His late Majesty, ministers and other foreign representatives, and a second division of foreign military officers.


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