35

"There is one small delicate matter": expressing concern for the Belgian Prince Regent

Winston S. Churchill

Typed Letter Signed, to the secretary of Belgian Prince Regent Charles, André de Staercke ("My dear Monsieur de Staercke"),

with holograph salutation and closing, and with typed postscript additionally Signed, "WC," thanking for sending photographs and the Crest of the Count of Flanders which he intends to use on "Marlborough volumes' [gift binding of his Marlborough: His Life and Times (1933)?], thanking for congratulations on the engagement of his daughter Mary [to Christopher Soames; Churchill had hoped that Mary and De Staercke would marry], and thanking for birthday wishes. The postscript, begun on a new sheet with the typed heading "PRIVATE AND SECRET," explaining that during a visit of the Belgian Prince Regent to Biggin Hill [London], officers at the airfield inspected the Prince Regent's airplane and found it unsound, and suggesting that he consider having the plane overhauled. 4 pages, 4to, written on rectos of separate sheets, "28, Hyde Park Gate" stationery; hole punched at upper left, some paper clip staining at upper left, horizontal fold.

London, 30 November 1946.

  • Notes: "Thank you . . . for the photographs. I have a small machine which will enable me to make use of them. I am still labouring at the two pictures, of which I have done several variants on a larger scale. . . .
    "Thank you . . . also for sending me the Crest of the Count of Flanders, which I am having put upon the MARLBOROUGH volumes. Everything takes a very long time here now but I hope they will be ready soon.
    "Will you thank the Prince Regent for his congratulations on Mary's engagement . . . . I hope indeed they will be happy. Let me also thank you for your own congratulations. Mary is enchanted with the beautiful present you have sent her. . . .

    The postscript: "There is one small delicate matter I think I ought to bring to your notice and which I am sure you will handle with the utmost discretion so as not to give offence to any persons concerned.
    "I am Honorary Air Commodore of No. 615 . . . Squadron which is stationed at Biggin Hill . . . ; consequently I can hear things that would otherwise not be mentioned. I gather that, while the Prince Regent's 'plane was at Biggin Hill waiting for me, some of our officers had a look at it from a technical point of view, and . . . they did not think the metal-work or the condition of some parts . . . were any too good . . . .
    "It did occur to me that, without . . . any suggestion as to my being involved in the least, it would be worth your while to have a thorough overhaul made, because the Prince's life is of such a very great value to his country that double and treble precautions should be taken. . . ."
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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