MARGARET PRINCESS: (1930-2002) Countess of Snowdon, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. A.L.S., Margaret, two pages (separate leaves), 8vo, n.p. (in flight between Barbados and England), n.d. (March 1975), to Verna Hull ('Darling Verna'), on the printed stationery of British West Indian Airways International. The Princess announces 'For some unknown reason we are bumping so excuse the ghastly writing!' and continues 'It is just like having a fairy Godmother having you as a friend. You must have had a galvanising effect to make him come over - I've told him to connect with you about paying for the charter & I'll pay you back…..You don't know how grateful I am to you [for] the way you look after Oliver [Messel]. I am very relation-minded & feel I can do so little but I feel quite safe with you there. Do know that we'd love to see you in London, and if ever you would like to stay with me just treat the house like a hotel. I'm sorry T[ony Armstrong-Jones?]. was rude to you….Let me know when you are coming in good time…..with masses of love & I'm so glad you like the island'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by the Princess and signed by her with her initial ('M') to the lower left corner. Together with a second autograph envelope addressed by Princess Margaret to Mrs. [Verna] Hull in New York City and signed by the Princess with her initial ('M') to the lower left corner. Postmarked at Kensington, 9^th November 1971. Also including an original printed telegram (received copy) sent by Princess Margaret from Buckingham Palace to Verna Hull in Barbados, the message reading 'Many thanks but regret unable to come December 28^th. Happy Christmas and love, Margaret', 17^th December 1974. Some light creasing and minor age wear, generally about VG, 3

 

Verna Hull (1916-2002) American painter and photographer who resided on Barbados and in Manhattan as a neighbour of actress Claudette Colbert, with whom Hull is rumoured to have been romantically involved.

 

Oliver Messel (1904-1978) English artist, one of the foremost stage designers of the 20^th century. Messel was commissioned to design many houses on Barbados, where he resided in later years, and also on Mustique Island, including Les Jolies Eaux, Princess Margaret's home.

 

Messel was the uncle of Antony Armstrong-Jones (1930-2017) 1^st Earl of Snowdon. British photographer and the wife of Princess Margaret from 1960-78.