ALS, three pages on two sheets, 4.75 x 7.5, Kensignton Palace letterhead, August 24, 1987. Letter to her personal beautician Janet Filderman. In full: “I did so love our lunch today—You’d gone to enormous trouble to make it special & indeed it was. I felt heaps better after being with you—All that you said made an awful lot of sense & having your encouragement & support means the world to me, especially as I know that your life cannot be easy & I have tremendous admiration in the way that you help so many of your ladies! Thank you more than I can say for being my friend & for caring—I promise that I will get you here for lunch next time as I introduce William & Harry to you! With so much love & special thanks, Janet.” In fine condition, with some diagonal creases to second page, none affecting signature.
This correspondence reveals not only the close relationship that Diana had with her beautician, but also a deep sense of sadness within the Princess of Wales. Diana’s sense of relief after chatting with Filderman—the fact that she “felt heaps better” and that “all that you said made an awful lot of sense”—came at a time shortly after Prince Charles had started an affair with a former girlfriend. Diana was also feeling the stress of being a caring and doting mother to William and Harry, who are proudly mentioned here. This letter reflects the special connection that Diana had to those in her inner circle, particularly those not part of the Royal Family, and offers a glimpse into the personal troubles that would soon be revealed to the world. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
