Lot 341

Prince Charles TLS re: Handover of Hong Kong, Marking End of British Empire!

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Prince Charles TLS re: Handover of Hong Kong, Marking End of British Empire!

Estimate: $500 - $600

Current Bid: $220

(4 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

King Charles III of the United Kingdom, England
[London, England], July 30, 1997
Prince Charles TLS re: Handover of Hong Kong, Marking End of British Empire!
TLS

A typed letter from King Charles III, then Prince Charles, to American socialite Brooke Astor (1902-2007) in which he remarks on the handover of Hong Kong. 1p on Buckingham Palace stationery, 7.25" x 9.25", [London, England], July 30, 1997. Signed affectionately as "Charles" in black felt tip, with holograph salutation and concluding sentiment. Within, he discusses the ceremony where Hong Kong was handed over from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, writing melancholically of "emotion and nostalgia". Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope postmarked from Buckingham Palace and marked "Private & Confidential". Exhibits flattened letter folds and intermittent handling creases throughout. Faint soiling to envelope, with expected tearing along top edge. Else, very good.

Reading in full:

"I was so touched by your very sweet letter about my Hong Kong performance. Bless you for writing as you did- it warmed the cockles of my old heart, I can assure you!
There's too much emotion and nostalgia at present- they insist on getting rid of, or changing everything beyond recognition nowadays. If it isn't Britannia, it's Greenwich College, or Covent Garden or some other much-loved part of this country's heritage. They seem determined to turn this country into a 3rd of 4th rate nation…"

The handover of Hong Kong occurred at midnight on July 1, 1997, effectively ending over 150 years of British rule in the region dating back to the cession of Hong Kong Island in 1841. The handover ceremony commenced the night before on June 30th and was broadcast around the world, highlighted by Prince Charles' remarks on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The event is regarded by many (including King Charles himself) as marking the conclusion of the British Empire, with the ceremony being its last diplomatic act. Later in 2006, Charles filed a court case against the tabloid newspaper 'The Mail on Sunday' after excerpts of his personal journals were published, among them one in which he described the Chinese government officials as "appalling old waxworks".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 9.25"
  • Medium: TLS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000