Partly-printed invitation from Diana, Princess of Wales, sent to BBC TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile. The invitation, 8 x 6, which features Diana’s embossed royal monogram to the top, reads: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales requests the pleasure of the company of Sir James Savile at a Reception to be held at the State Apartments, Kensington Palace on Tuesday, 20th December 1994.” In fine condition, with a small smudge to ink in the year.
Sir Jimmy Savile was a British television presenter and charity fundraiser who was posthumously revealed to have allegedly sexually abused hundreds of people, including children, over several decades. He also notably held a relationship with Prince Charles, one formed over their shared interest in charity events. It’s purported that Savile acted as an unofficial adviser to Prince Charles, who sought his advice on many occasions on how the royal family ought to interact with the public and media. In 2012, following the revelations about Savile's alleged abuse, Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, issued a statement saying that the Prince of Wales had ‘no knowledge’ of Savile's wrongdoing and had not been in contact with him since 1999. Despite these allegations, Savile was praised in obituaries for his personal qualities and work raising an estimated £40 million for charities.
