Queen Elizabeth’s unseen letter reveals her struggle as a young mother

A previously unseen letter penned by the late Queen Elizabeth, reflecting on her “very hectic” schedule as a young mother, has surfaced after 77 years.

In the letter dated 4 November 1949, the then-Princess Elizabeth admitted to her confidante that “I completely fail to keep up with the things I have to do”.

With her eldest son Charles having recently turned one, the 23-year-old was struggling to balance royal duties alongside motherhood.

Writing to Peter Stewart, who was secretary of The Carlton Club, she said: “I’m so sorry not to have answered your letter before now, but somehow I find life very hectic and I completely fail to keep up with the things I have to do!”

She also shared her gratitude to Mr Stewart for assisting her in sourcing Christmas gifts for her family.

“I am most unhelpful for I never know what my family could possibly want,” she wrote.

The two-page message was handwritten on paper with a Clarence House letterhead and signed ‘Elizabeth’.

It is now being offered for sale at Chiswick Auctions in West London, with an estimated price of £800 to £1,200.

Manuscripts specialist Valentina Borghi said: “Peter Stewart was the Secretary of The Carlton Club, the famous London Gentleman’s club, and was for many years a confidante of the Royal Family.

“He was a friend of King George VI and was held in high esteem by Queen Mary, Princess Elizabeth and later as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, with whom he often socialised and was a frequent visitor to Clarence House.

“Over the years, he became indispensable to them for helping them choose and acquire presents for each other.”

Ms Borghi described the artefact as a “really nice” letter.

“Items related to young Princess Elizabeth are relatively scarce on the market and very sought after by collectors,” she said.

“In November 1949, she was in London for public engagements including attending the Royal Variety Performance at the London Coliseum on November 7 before flying to Malta to join her husband.

“She stayed in London to celebrate Prince Charles‘s first birthday then travelled to Malta on November 20.

“It must have been a very busy time for the Princess, who was trying to perform her royal duties while also trying to be a present wife and mother.

“Also, in early 1949 King George had undergone surgery, so it is only natural Princess Elizabeth wanted to stay close to her family and help her father as well.”

The late Queen died at the age of 96 in 2022.

The auction takes place on 27 September.