Description:

W. Churchill 11-Word ANS Accompanying Elizabeth II's Accession Declaration Advice

A 1p typed document signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965), as "Winston S. Churchill," and inscribed with an additional eleven words in his hand as "And with humble duty remain / Yr Majesty's faithful + devoted servant." The document is accompanied by two black and white presentation photos, one depicting Churchill greeting Elizabeth, and one reproducing Elizabeth's Accession Declaration.

The lot is comprised of:

1. The 1p typed document signed and inscribed by Churchill (see above) also includes two additional third-person Churchill signatures IN TYPE as "Mr. Churchill." N.d., but probably circa November 1952, in advance of Elizabeth's Accession Declaration speech. The document is typed on a single sheet of cream stationery with "E.R." blind embossed at the upper left. Expected wear including light even toning, isolated foxing, and scattered minor stains. A single hole punch is located at the upper left and a partial rusted paper clip impression can be found along the left edge. Mounting traces verso, else near fine. 7.5" x 9.5."

Elizabeth's father, George VI (1895-1952), had died in early February 1952, leaving his eldest daughter Elizabeth II (born 1926) as heir presumptive. The future Elizabeth II delivered the Accession Declaration at her first state opening of Parliament on November 4, 1952. The Accession Declaration was essentially the incoming monarch's pledge to preserve the present laws and customs, but its language, shaped by religious and legislative precedent, needed to be precise. The exact wording was essential to set the proper tone for Elizabeth's future reign.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill submitted these recommendations to the soon-to-be coronated queen regarding the finer points of her Accession Declaration. Churchill would prove to be the perfect chief advisor. Not only had Churchill been twice elected premier, but his considerable knowledge of parliamentary procedure had been gathered over more than 50 years of political experience.

Churchill's first recommendation was that Elizabeth omit the words "'of my Realm'" in the Accession Declaration. This was an important omission that upheld the Statute of Westminster of 1931, an Act of Parliament from December 11, 1931 redefining the relationship between the Crown and the Commonwealth, and granting more sovereignty to the Dominions of the British Empire. In Accession Declarations prior to 1931, the words "of my Realm" had been inserted after the words "to the Throne."

Churchill's second paragraph pertains to the incoming Queen's official styling. She could either allude to her famous sixteenth-century predecessor, Elizabeth I, or present herself simply as a humble but deserving individual, without the trappings of historical context. Elizabeth chose to be styled as "Elizabeth."

Elizabeth's 1952 Accession Declaration differed from the Coronation Oath that she delivered seven months later, on June 2, 1953, during the actual coronation ceremony.

2. A photograph showing then Princess Elizabeth greeting Winston Churchill at a Guildhall reception on March 23, 1950. Prime Minister Clement Attlee and his wife Violet can be seen in the background.

3. A reproduction of Elizabeth II's Accession Declaration as it was delivered on November 4, 1952, with her facsimile signature.

Winston Churchill and his Conservatives had secured his second term as Prime Minister in October 1951; his term concluded in April 1955. According to contemporaries, Churchill and Elizabeth II enjoyed a warm working relationship and a genuine friendship, despite their 50+ year age difference. Upon Churchill's retirement, Elizabeth vowed that she "shall always be so profoundly grateful" for Churchill's "wise guidance during the early years of my reign."

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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May 4, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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