Beschreibung:

Born to diplomat parents in 1894, Alexander Hardinge was exposed to political life from a young age. At the outbreak of the First World War, Hardinge was commissioned an officer in the Grenadier Guards, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and earning the Military Cross for gallantry in action. Upon the war’s conclusion, he remained in the Army and in 1920 was appointed Assistant Private Secretary to King George V, which was accompanied by a promotion to Captain. Hardinge served in this role until George V’s death in 1936. Much to the surprise of the British political class, the newly-crowned Edward VIII chose to promote Hardinge to Private Secretary, despite the latter’s criticism of Edward while Prince of Wales. He and Edward would bicker privately, over matters such as pay and his own place in the political ranks of precedence. In a letter to Edward in November of 1936, Hardinge claimed that the British press would not long keep their silence regarding the alleged affair between the Sovereign and divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson, and that senior members of the government were already preparing to deliver a response themselves. The content and timing of this letter caused Edward to believe that Hardinge had knowledge of governmental activities that he had not shared, possibly weakening his confidence in the loyalty of his Secretary. The ultimate abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 led to the succession of his brother, who was crowned George VI. It was at this time Hardinge retired from the Army with the rank of Major, but would continue in his role as Private Secretary to the Monarch until 1943, when he was dismissed by George VI following an “incident” during a royal visit to North Africa. Upon the dismissal, Edward, now Duke of Windsor was said to have remarked “What did I tell you and warn you?” Due to his contentions with the King, some interpreted Hardinge’s actions as disloyal; an opportunity to ruin Edward’s reign as a personal vandetta. Others interpreted his motivations from a more shewed point view, in that despite his position his loyalty was to “The King” as an abstract figure in the context of his role in Parliament, rather than a personal loyalty to the monarch as an individual. Upon the death of his father in 1944, Hardinge assumed the title of Baron Hardinge of Penhurst, which he held until his death in 1960. Lot includes dress coat and bicorn. White-piped scarlet wool jacket with dark blue cuffs and gold embroidered collar. Five rows on cord frogging with loops for ribbon bar and breast star present. Pitted with Elizabeth II marked shoulder knots with Elizabeth II aiguillettes. Five brass buttons with George VI monograms on the front with cuffs having four George VI buttons each. Interior is lined with padded silk. Label reads "C.F. JOHNS & PEGG/2 CLIFFORD STREET, LONDON W." Label has hand written "MAJOR/HON SIR A. HARDINGE/APL 1920". C.F. Johns & Pegg is one of London's oldest tailors, traditionally known for their military uniforms and holds a Royal Warrant. Hardinge was promoted to Major in April of 1920. Bicorn measures 16.5" x 6.25" without plume. Both ends feature 1.75" wide black ribbons with leaf motifs and a 2" wide double row of bullion knots. Interior label is only partially legible with last row reading "ESTABLISHED 1776". Condition: Good. Wool has a bright scarlet color with minimal fading. Button are all present and have a fine luster. One row of frogging is coming loose with some fraying of cloth at the collar. Inside silk lining is shredding and pulling but padding remains in place. Bicorn has a slick luster and all bullion is present. Feathers are straight and not pulling or falling out.