Young Queen Elizabeth II Sketch Heads to Auction in Chelsea

A rare artwork depicting Queen Elizabeth II as a young princess is scheduled to go under the hammer in Chelsea, London, on October 22, with Sloane Street Auctions estimating its value at between £1,000 and £2,000. Anglo-Hungarian artist Philip de László created the drawing in 1933, decades before Elizabeth became Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

The red chalk sketch measures 19 x 12¼ inches and served as a preliminary study for a finished oil painting held in the Royal Collection. According to the source report, the completed painting was intended for the Duchess of York.

The drawing captures an early stage in Elizabeth's life, when she was known as the Princess of York and had not yet ascended to the throne. Its upcoming sale places a historical study of the future monarch on the auction market.

De László previously recalled a conversation with the young princess at the end of one of their sittings. According to the artist, Elizabeth spoke privately about her own artistic interests and promised to share her work with him.

“I am going to tell you something, Mr de Laszlo, that will surprise you. I paint, too, and I’m a very good painter. I’ll bring some of my work next time and show you,” Philip de László recalled the princess saying.

The auction has also drawn attention from Daniel Hunt, the owner of Sloane Street Auctions, who highlighted the historical significance of the drawing. Hunt said the work depicts Elizabeth before anyone could know she would eventually become queen.

“Royal items often come up for auction, but this sketch of a young girl who had no idea at the time that she would later come to the throne. As the country’s longest reigning monarch is out of the ordinary and a particularly fascinating study,” said Daniel Hunt, owner of Sloane Street Auctions.

The auction is scheduled for October 22 at Sloane Street Auctions in Chelsea, with the sketch carrying an estimated value of £1,000 to £2,000.