^#1134 ^Lot 1173 Grace Kelly

ALS signed “Pcsse Grace de Monaco,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 3.75, personal letterhead, February 23, 1957. In a letter to Virginina Knight, Kelly writes, in full: “I was so touched to receive your sweet message on the birth of our daughter—the Prince joins me in sending our deepest thanks & warmest regards to you and the Governor.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kelly’s hand, the letter from Virginia Knight to which Kelly is responding, and a newspaper clipping announcing the royal birth. Virginia and Governor Goodwin J. Knight were married while Knight was already serving as governor, making their marriage the first gubernatorial wedding in California history. Nicknamed the ‘Viola Queen’ for the time devoted to visiting veterans after the death of her first husband, Lieutenant C. Lyle Carlson, Knight was also a published poet, and ‘Our Guiding Light,’ one of her earlier poems, was recited three years in a row during the Memorial Day Ceremonies at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.