Five Typed Letters Signed by World Leaders to Variety Club International: Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Ministers James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher, President of Ireland Pádraig Faulkner, and President of Mexico José López Portillo
A remarkable collection of five typed letters signed by heads of state and world leaders, all addressed to Variety Club International ; the celebrated children’s charity, in connection with its annual conventions of the 1970s and 1980s. The group brings together British royalty, two British Prime Ministers, the President of Ireland, and the President of Mexico, each writing on the official letterhead of their respective office. An exceptional archive of international political autographs united by a single distinguished philanthropic cause.
1. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — TLS, Buckingham Palace, 1982
TLS signed “Philip” in blue ink, one page, typed on the official Buckingham Palace letterhead with the Royal cypher at upper left, dated 1982. Writing to Variety Club International, Prince Philip pens a substantive and characteristically direct message on the theme of children’s welfare: “Variety has always set out to help deprived and handicapped children, but there are many forms of deprivation and handicap. Without a proper up-bringing or without exposure to the traditions of a free and peaceful society, young people are deprived of the chance to develop their personalities and handicapped by their lack of understanding of civilised behaviour. Money can do much to help physical deprivation and handicap, but it needs active leadership and a good example to help overcome moral deprivation and handicap.” The message reflects Philip’s forthright personal voice and his lifelong commitment to youth welfare. Fine condition.
TLS, signed “Philip” (blue ink) · 1 page · Buckingham Palace letterhead with Royal cypher · 1982 · Condition: Fine.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021) was the longest-serving consort in British royal history, husband of Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, and founder of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He was a consistent patron and champion of youth organizations throughout his public life. His signed letters on Buckingham Palace letterhead are always in strong collector demand.
2. James Callaghan, Prime Minister — TLS, 10 Downing Street, January 1977
TLS signed “James Callaghan” in blue ink, one page, typed on the official 10 Downing Street / The Prime Minister letterhead with the Royal Arms at top, dated January 1977. Addressed to Variety Club International on the occasion of its 1977 Convention, Callaghan writes: “On behalf of the Government and people of Great Britain I send the warmest greetings to the Variety Club International and best wishes for the success of its 1977 Convention. Your splendid work for children throughout the world enjoys the admiration of us all.” Fine condition, with a small spot near center.
TLS, signed “James Callaghan” (blue ink) · 1 page · 10 Downing Street letterhead with Royal Arms · January 1977 · Condition: Fine, minor spot.
Leonard James Callaghan (1912–2005), Baron Callaghan of Cardiff, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979 and is the only person in British history to have held all four great offices of state: Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Prime Minister.
3. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister — TLS, 10 Downing Street, c. 1984
TLS signed “Margaret Thatcher” in black ink, one page, typed on the official 10 Downing Street / The Prime Minister letterhead with the Royal Arms at top, undated (internal evidence suggests c. 1984, referencing the 55th annual convention to be held in New York). Thatcher writes: “I send you greetings and best wishes for your 55th annual convention to be held in New York. The work done by the Club and its helpers throughout the world is a splendid example of the voluntary spirit at work and of international co-operation. It is an inspiration to us all. May success and happiness attend your efforts.” Fine condition.
TLS, signed “Margaret Thatcher” (black ink) · 1 page · 10 Downing Street letterhead with Royal Arms · c. 1984 · Condition: Fine.
Margaret Hilda Thatcher (1925–2013), Baroness Thatcher, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 — the first woman to hold the office and the longest-serving Prime Minister of the twentieth century. Her signed letters on Downing Street letterhead are among the most sought-after of any postwar British political figure.
4. Pádraig Faulkner, President of Ireland — TLS, Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, c. 1977
TLS signed “Pádraig óh-Irisgíle” [Faulkner] in black ink, one full page, typed on the official Uachtarán na hÉireann / President of Ireland letterhead with the Irish harp in green at upper left, address given as Baile Átha Cliath 8 (Dublin). Written in both Irish and English, the letter opens with a paragraph in Irish before continuing: “Greetings and heartfelt good wishes to Variety International; may the work of this Convention at Monte Carlo be particularly fruitful and beneficial especially for the welfare of children for which the first Variety Club was founded fifty years ago… The cause is the health and joy of children, than which there is no cause more praiseworthy; it is a cause generously served by Variety Clubs. For their unselfish work for young people in Ireland and elsewhere I send to their members this expression of appreciation from the people of Ireland… go neartaí Dia a saothar — may God strengthen their achievements.” Fine condition.
TLS, signed in Irish “Pádraig óh-Irisgíle” (black ink) · 1 full page · President of Ireland letterhead (Irish harp, bilingual heading) · Addressed to Variety Club International (Monte Carlo convention) · c. 1977 · Condition: Fine.
Pádraig Faulkner (1918–2004) served as President of Ireland from 1974 to 1976, and later as Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) of Dáil Éireann from 1980 to 1981. A signed letter on the official presidential letterhead of Ireland, written bilingually in Irish and English, is an uncommon and distinctive piece of Irish political ephemera.
5. José López Portillo, President of Mexico — TLS, Los Pinos, Mexico City, March 17, 1977
TLS signed with a bold flourishing paraph, one page, typed on the official José López Portillo / Presidente Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos letterhead with the Mexican Presidential seal embossed at top, dated Los Pinos, D.F., 17 de Marzo de 1977. Addressed to Variety Club de Mexico, A.C., Hamburgo #87, México 6, D.F., the letter reads: “Estimados amigos: Formulo sinceros votos porque los trabajos de la próxima Convención del ‘VARIETY CLUB’, que tendrá lugar en Mónaco, logren resultados positivos para las nobles actividades de ese Club. Los saluda cordialmente” ; “Dear friends: I sincerely hope that the work of the upcoming VARIETY CLUB Convention, to be held in Monaco, will achieve positive results for the noble activities of that Club. Cordially.” Some toning and light spots consistent with age; signature bold and clear.
TLS, signed with paraph (blue ink) · 1 page · Presidential letterhead with Mexican seal · Los Pinos, March 17, 1977 · Written in Spanish · Condition: Good to Very Good, light toning and spots.
José López Portillo (1920–2004) served as President of Mexico from 1976 to 1982. Written from Los Pinos — the official presidential residence in Mexico City — just months after his inauguration, this letter represents one of the earliest signed documents of his presidency. Signed presidential letters of López Portillo on official letterhead are scarce on the international market.