Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Obscure Book of the Day: His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales


“His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales: The Origins of His Ancient Titles and the Ceremonial of Investiture” is another book by the Pitkin Publishing Company which was produced as part of their mid-Twentieth Century “Pride of Britain” series. The book chronicles the early life of a young Prince Charles—the first son of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh--and shows you images from his early days before his mother ascended the throne and after.


The book was published between 1957 and 1958 and not only tells us about Prince Charles, but also the history of the title of “Prince of Wales” and the traditions associated with the style. In fact, the back cover of the book shows a family tree of the “House of Windsor” and shows how Charles fits into the history of the Royal Family.

Aside from official portraits, we are treated to candid images of the young prince with his grandmother, the Queen Mother and his parents as well as his sister and aunt, Princess Margaret. Baby pictures and images of the Prince at play give us glimpses of the man that we know as the heir to the throne and father of Princes William and Harry.

Let’s take a look inside:


Then-Princess Elizabeth admires her firstborn son.

You can see the face of the adult Prince in this early photo.

This letter from 1948 reads:
"The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, was safely delivered of a Prince at nine fourteen PM today.  Her Royal Highness and son are both doing fine." 


Charles and Anne.






The coronation in 1953.

With the Queen Mother.



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