Cot blanket made by Queen Mary in 1930s sparks auction bidding battle
The blanket was won in a bonnie baby competition in 1938.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A grandma’s precious cot blanket made by Queen Mary and won in a bonnie baby competition in 1938 sparked a bidding battle when it was put up for auction.
Kathleen Pritchard, 83, treasured the blanket all her life and her family even took it into bomb shelters during the Second World War to keep it safe.
However, with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, she did not know who to pass the royal memorabilia onto.
Instead, she decided she wanted to part ways with it to help children in Ukraine.
Mrs Pritchard, from Rainham, Essex, decided to put the blanket under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction after hearing about founder Charles Hanson from TV shows such as Bargain Hunt and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
It was sold to a private UK buyer for £400 and the proceeds will go to Save The Children’s Ukrainian appeal.
Mrs Pritchard’s granddaughter Carlie Bussey, 42, from New Barn, Kent, said: “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. She chose Save the Children’s Ukraine appeal as Princess Anne is patron and her great-grandmother made the blanket.”
Mrs Pritchard’s mother, Florence, won the blanket in a bonnie baby competition she spotted at a mother and baby clinic in Islington, north London, in 1938.
Two blankets were up for grabs – pink for a girl and blue for a boy – and Florence picked up the prize for Kathleen whose middle name is Mary, after the queen.
The blanket still has its original ‘1st prize’ tag and a handwritten note on Marlborough House headed paper saying ‘Made by Her Majesty, Queen Mary, 1938’.
Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, was queen from May 6, 1910 to January 29, 1936. She died in 1953 aged 85.
Mrs Pritchard, a retired machinist, said: “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.”
Charles Hanson said: “I was thrilled by this auction 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.”