Queen Elizabeth via the Royal Mail………

Our radiant Queen Elizabeth, now mature and 

ever-gracious in deportment and dress, was once a 

young and beautiful Princess.

When this amazing photograph of her, taken in 1945 

before her accession to the throne, arrived in an 

airmail envelope from England last week, 

I couldn't believe my eyes.

I had never seen this photograph before and am 

thrilled to have a copy. It's a photo card from

the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Click to enlarge

My little package came from the vivacious author and 

blogger Vicki Archer.

Having enjoyed her wonderful books of her life 

in France since moving to Provence from Australia, and 

her visits to London………I was one of the winners in 

her recent blog giveaway. My gift - a petite 

vintage print she discovered in London's famous 

Covent Garden Market.

Vicki's gift to me, the etching of the Townley Gallery - 

which I believe is part of the British Museum, 

London - is charming and, until 

I find the right frame, is tucked into the 

memo board I made for the doors 

of my antique secretary.

I'm so grateful to be the recipient of not one but 

two very special little treasures………thank you so much Vicki.

If you haven't visited Vicki's always beautiful and 

interesting blog, FRENCH ESSENCE, you can find it HERE.