An 83-year-old baby blanket which was crocheted by Queen Mary and survived World War Two has sold for hundreds of pounds at auction to help Ukrainian children.
Kathleen Pritchard was swaddled in the royal memento as a tot after her mum Florence won a bonnie baby competition in 1938.
Two shawls - one pink and one blue - were knitted by Queen Mary and offered as prizes at a mother and baby clinic in Islington, London more than eight decades ago.
Florence won one of the crocheted blankets and used it for her daughter, who was given the middle name Mary.
Kathleen was also wrapped in the shawl while the family took refuge in an underground bomb shelter during air raids in World War Two.
Great-gran Kathleen, 83, from Rainham, decided to sell the royal blanket in an auction with the proceeds going to Save The Children’s Ukrainian appeal.
The blanket still bears its original ‘1st prize’ tag and a handwritten note on Marlborough House headed paper saying ‘Made by Her Majesty, Queen Mary, 1938.’
On Thursday (26/5) it sold to a private UK buyer for £400 at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbys.
Kathleen’s granddaughter Carlie Bussey, 42, from, New Barn, Kent, an IT manager, said: “It was a very emotional day all round with nan parting with her beloved blanket.
"But it was for such a worthy cause.
"The hole left in nan’s heart from the sale of the blanket has been far outweighed by the wonderful memories we’ve gained together as a family during the experience.
“Nan has so many grandchildren and great grandchildren she couldn’t possibly choose between us to hand it down.
"She’s been extremely saddened by the conflict in Ukraine and wanted to raise some money to help children over there.
“Charles Hanson and everyone at Hansons have been so amazingly supportive.
"From first valuation to sale nan has been treated like royalty. She’s thoroughly enjoyed
the experience.
"It’s been a bit of a journey with road trips to Derbyshire but well worth it to see the
look on nan’s face.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We couldn't have wished for better memories and feel privileged to be able to help such a worthy cause.”
Kathleen, a retired machinist with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, said she wanted to sell her most treasured possession to help children in war-torn Ukraine.
She added: “The blanket was my mother’s most precious possession. It was never used but kept in a box in a draw.
"It was only given to me after I got married and became pregnant with my twins, Steven and Alan.
“We all love the royal family and are very proud of the royal connection.
"I have a picture of the Queen above my television set and a plate with Queen Mary’s portrait on.”
Hansons owner Charles Hanson said: “I was thrilled by this action result and delighted to give Kathleen the royal treatment.
"It was thoroughly deserved thanks to her kind gesture. I was moved by her decision to part with her most treasured possession for Save The Children.
"It was a privilege to help her.”
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