King George VI and Queen Mother 1949 signed Christmas card

• A rare Royal Family Christmas card signed by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) in 1949

Albert Windsor married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923. He was the second in line to the throne, after his older brother, Edward.

However, in 1936 Edward abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. Albert was forced to take the throne in his place and was crowned George VI.

His reign was defined by the second world war and the rapid decline of the British Empire that followed. 

Elizabeth and George’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth II, was Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

This stunning Christmas card was sent out at Christmas in 1949, just three years before Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

Scarce. The card is dated and signed "1949, George R.I." and "Elizabeth R", with both signing attractively in black ink.

The card's portrait depicts George and the Queen Mother in a horse-drawn carriage as they celebrate their silver wedding anniversary on April 26, 1948. The photo captures their procession from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral for a service. 

The card is signed handsomely by George VI and the Queen Mother on the left-hand inside panel, with the portrait on the right.

It features a gilt embossed royal crown on the front. The reverse bears the manufacturer's details: Raphael Tuck & Sons. 

This card measures approximately 7 x 6 inches when closed.

The Christmas card comes with superb provenance, having been originally presented to a valued employee at Buckingham Palace and passed down through his family for more than 60 years.

A superb piece of Royal memorabilia. 

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