Lot 337

Queen Camilla ALS to Brooke Astor Just Weeks Before Astor's Cringeworthy "Mistress" Remark

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Queen Camilla ALS to Brooke Astor Just Weeks Before Astor's Cringeworthy "Mistress" Remark

Estimate: $300 - $400

Current Bid: $220

(4 Bids)

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

Description:

Camilla, Queen Consort of England
Wiltshire, UK, August 14, 1999
Queen Camilla ALS to Brooke Astor Just Weeks Before Astor's Cringeworthy "Mistress" Remark
ALS

Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom (b. 1947). Autograph letter signed, "Camilla," 3pp, on two sheets of her light blue personal stationery measuring 7" x 9", Wiltshire, August 14, 1999. Expected mailing folds and light creases. In very near fine condition.

To American philanthropist and socialite Brooke Astor (1902-2007) regarding an upcoming visit to the United States.

In full:

"Dear Brooke,

I am coming to New York on September 19th for about five days. I wondered if there was any chance seeing you? I heard that you would be back in New York in September, and it would be lovely to see you again.

I do hope your hip is getting better and not giving you too much pain. I've just returned from a marvellous trip to Greece and England is looking very gloomy under heavy grey skies. But luckily I'm off again for a week to Corfu on Monday to stay with Jacob Rothschild. So I can't complain!

I do hope that we will meet in September.

With love
from
Camilla."

Camilla did indeed visit with Brooke Astor, as Astor planned a special luncheon in Camilla's honor, which was attended by quite a few notables such as Barbara Walters, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Oscar de la Renta and his wife. It was at this event that Astor made a very awkward comment during her toast, reportedly stating, "Your grandmother would have been proud of you...you're keeping this mistress business in the family. Two generations providing mistresses!"

The wedding of King Charles III (b. 1948) and Queen Camilla did not take place until April 9, 2005, yet she and then-Prince Charles were romantically involved both before and during each of their first marriages. Their relationship was highly publicized in the media and attracted worldwide scrutiny.

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" x 9"
  • Medium: ALS

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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