A baby blanket which was crocheted by Queen Mary and survived World War II is being sold to raise money to help children in Ukraine.
Great-grandmother Kathleen Pritchard was wrapped in the pink shawl as a baby after her mother Florence won a contest.
Two blankets, one pink and one blue, were knitted by Queen Mary and offered as prizes at a mother and baby clinic in 1938.
Florence won one of the crocheted blankets and later wrapped baby Kathleen, whose middle name is Mary, in the shawl while the family took refuge in an underground bomb shelter during air raids.
Kathleen, from Rainham, Essex, has now decided to sell the royal blanket in an auction with the proceeds going to Save The Children’s Ukrainian appeal.
“The blanket was my mother’s most valued and precious possession,” said the 83-year-old who has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“It was never used but kept in a box. It was only given to me after I got married and became pregnant with my twins.”
The blanket still bears its original ‘1st prize’ tag and comes with a handwritten note on Marlborough House stationary paper saying ‘Made by Her Majesty, Queen Mary, 1938.’
It is expected to fetch around $1,000 (£800) when it goes under the hammer at the upcoming Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction.
Granddaughter Carlie Bussey says, “Nan has so many grandchildren and great grandchildren she can’t possibly choose between us to hand it down.”
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“She is also extremely saddened and upset by the conflict in Ukraine and wanted to raise some money to help children over there. She has chosen Save the Children’s Ukraine appeal, which ties in quite nicely as Princess Anne is patron.”
Anne’s great grandmother made the blanket, so it has ‘gone full circle’.
“It’s extremely moving to be honest. My nan doesn’t have a lot. This is still her most prized possession but she wants to help and give something back.”
Queen Mary (1867-1953) was the wife of King George V and was queen from 1910 until 1936. She died in 1953 at age 85.
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Auctioneer Charles Hanson hopes to help Kathleen achieve an excellent price for her chosen charity. The blanket will be auctioned on May 26 in Derbyshire. Find out more on Hanson’s website.