Queen Elizabeth II is a powerful woman. She's the longest-reigning British monarch and has been Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand since 1952.
At 91, she is still the figurehead of the British government and beloved as the great-grandmother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and the new royal baby on the way.
Those of us who remember the Queen as a young woman will also remember her as a steadfast leader through times of trouble.
Sometimes, it's easy to forget that royals aren't always in monarch-mode, but a letter recently surfaced revealing the Queen's softer side: as the loving mother to her four children, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.
The note, written by the queen in 1964 and addressed to the children's nanny, Mabel "Mary" Anderson, is being sold by Boston-based RR Auction House. It details the Queen's first few weeks with the youngest of her four children, Edward.
The rare artifact reveals that even the Queen isn't immune to the joys of early motherhood.
The letter reads:
Dear Mary,
What lovely flowers arrived from you today! It was extremely kind of you to send them when all my others had faded and gone, thank you very much indeed for the thoughts and for your congratulations.
The baby is flourishing and gaining weight splendidly — he is a great joy to us all, especially to Andrew who is completely fascinated by him.
In fact he considers him his own property, even telling Charles and Anne to ‘come and see my baby!’ Goodness, what fun it is to have a baby in the house again!
Best love from Lilibet
People close to Queen Elizabeth have always called her by her affectionate nickname, Lilibet.
Prince Edward is the fourth and final child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.
The letter, dated on March 23, 1964, was written less than two weeks after Edward was born on March 10, 1964.
It is estimated by the auction house to sell for over $4,500.
Today, Prince Edward is 53 years old. He holds the title of Earl of Wessex. He even has three children of his own.
He probably knew what a joy he was to his family all those years ago, but this letter confirms it!
According to Hello! Magazine, The Queen is affectionately called "Gan-Gan" by her five great-grandchildren.
The Queen is 91 years old, and her husband, Prince Philip, is an even more impressive 96.
She certainly has a lot more to look forward to with another royal baby on the way and undoubtedly more to come.
Be sure to SHARE this adorable letter with your friends and family!
