Three guests’ books from Downing Avenue signed by a few of the most well-known names in fashionable historical past have been launched to the general public for the very first time.
The gilt-edged volumes, protecting the years 1970, when Edward Heath was prime minister, to 2003 when Tony Blair was in workplace, have been launched to the Nationwide Archives at Kew, west London.
The outstanding assortment of signatures contains quite a few world leaders and members of the Royal Household, such because the late Queen, Princess Diana and King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales.
The visitor books present invaluable perception into who had personal conversations with prime ministers up to now, because the names of tourists to Quantity 10 are hardly ever made public.
Picture:
Three Downing Avenue guests’ books on the Nationwide Archives. Pic: PA
The pink leather-based books had been found earlier this yr, when one was supplied on the market by a west London public sale home.
The sale was finally blocked after the Cupboard Workplace claimed the e book was authorities property.
When the late Queen visited Downing Avenue she would signal herself Elizabeth R, whereas the current King and his then spouse had been merely Charles and Diana.
Picture:
The signatures of then Prince of Wales and his then spouse, Princess Diana, once they visited 10 Downing Avenue on 20/11/1989. Pic: PA
Picture:
Prince Charles and Woman Diana Spencer pose for his or her engagement picture in 1981. Pic: PA
Signatures additionally embrace successive US presidents from Jimmy Carter by way of Ronald Reagan, George Bush senior and Invoice Clinton to George Bush junior.
Whereas some merely signed their names, others left private messages – largely to Margaret Thatcher, who spent greater than a decade in Quantity 10 from 1979 to 1990.
On the finish of his go to in 1989, the elder Mr Bush wrote: “With respect, friendship, and gratitude for this relationship that means so much” to which his spouse, Barbara, added: “Me. too.”
Picture:
The signatures of US President George Bush and his spouse Barbara. Pic: PA
Picture:
Former president George Bush, former first woman Barbara Bush and their son – then president George W Bush – at Fort Hood in 2007. Pic: Reuters
In the identical yr, the then French prime minister Michel Rocard shared a barely frostier observe.
He stated: “It always is an extraordinary occasion to confront with the prime minister, especially when we agree, even when we disagree. Thank you very, very much.”
In 1996, South Africa’s president Nelson Mandela famous “visiting Downing St, No 10, is always an unforgettable experience” whereas Czech president Vaclav Havel added a coronary heart signal below his title.
Picture:
The signature of Nelson Mandela in one of many books. Pic: PA
Two notably outstanding pages commemorate the 250th anniversary of Quantity 10 in 1985.
The primary is signed by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who signed himself Philip.
The dealing with web page is then signed by all 5 surviving former prime ministers, Harold Macmillan, Sir Alec Douglas-House, Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and James Callaghan, in addition to the then incumbent Margaret Thatcher.
Different notable friends through the years embrace Sir Winston Churchill’s widow, Clementine, the Second World Struggle commander Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.
Picture:
The pages marking the 250th anniversary of Downing Avenue. Pic: PA
It seems that the guests’ e book was launched by Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath, who lived in Quantity 10 between 1970 and 1974.
However it was hardly ever utilized by some former leaders, with the premierships of John Main and Sir Tony Blair having few entries.
Spreaker
This content material is supplied by Spreaker, which can be utilizing cookies and different applied sciences.
To point out you this content material, we want your permission to make use of cookies.
You need to use the buttons beneath to amend your preferences to allow Spreaker cookies or to permit these cookies simply as soon as.
You may change your settings at any time through the Privateness Choices.
Sadly now we have been unable to confirm when you have consented to Spreaker cookies.
To view this content material you should utilize the button beneath to permit Spreaker cookies for this session solely.
Allow Cookies
Permit Cookies As soon as
One message, from early 2002 shortly after the 9/11 assaults on New York, got here from the town’s former mayor Rudy Giuliani.
He stated: “Mr prime minister, we are eternally grateful for your support for us at a time of great peril, you will always hold a special place in the minds and hearts of all New Yorkers and Americans.”
Picture:
Rudy Giuliani campaigning for Donald Trump in 2024. Pic: Reuters
The existence of the books got here to mild earlier this yr when one was supplied on the market at public sale.
In accordance with the auctioneers, Chiswick Auctions, the vendor was a retired civil servant who discovered it after he was given permission to take away water-damaged packing containers marked for incineration following a flood in Whitehall.
It had been anticipated to boost round £15,000 however the sale was suspended after the Cupboard Workplace claimed it was authorities property below the Public Information Act 1958.
