Sign of value as Royal signatures set record price
Aliki Kraterou
A RARE Christmas card with the Queen and Prince Philip’s signatures has become the most-prized example of autographs of living people, having fetched a record £4,500.
The family black and white photograph shows a young monarch with her husband in 1954. A five-year-old Prince Charles and two-year-old Princess Anne are in between.
It is believed the Christmas greeting was sent to a member of the Royal Household.
The fact the card is signed by both Her Majesty and Prince Philip is exceptional as protocol forbids members of the Royal Family to give autographs. Signatures from personal correspondence are also extremely rare.
The autographs came top this year in Bristol-based memorabilia seller Paul Fraser Collectibles’ list of those by living people – and the card is the most valuable of its type to have ever gone up for sale. Other expensive signatures include the Queen’s grandson, Prince William at £3,500, Paul McCartney at £2,950, JK Rowling’s signed book at £2,750 and Prince Harry’s at £1,750.
Paul Fraser Collectibles’ Daniel Wade said: “Since 2018 autographs from key modern figures have become significantly more popular.
“That’s because the interested age group have reached a time in their lives with more disposable income.We’re talking names such as Prince William, JK
Rowling and Kurt Cobain.They are among the best performers in the past two years.
“However, it’s clear that huge demand remains for Queen Elizabeth II’s signature. Genuine examples are hard to find.
“And where there’s high demand and low supply, you get strong prices.”
The Queen’s official signature is Elizabeth R, where the “R” stands for regina, meaning “queen” in Latin. However, with family and friends, the 94-year-old will often use her family nickname, Lilibet.