‘Very special’ flag from 1947 royal tour in South Africa up for sale

A “very special” flag flown on a car driven for a royal tour in South Africa is up for sale.

The linen Royal Standard flag travelled on tour with the late Queen Mother and princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in 1947 before being given to their chauffeur.

Joseph Nesbit worked for the royals in Rhodesia, including Edward VIII when he was the Prince of Wales, from 1921 to 1952.

Catherine Southon, of Catherine Southon’s Auctioneers and Valuers in Kent, said Mr Nesbit and Edward had a “friendly relationship” and the chauffeur was also given a tie pin as a thank you for driving him around, which is also being auctioned.

Mr Nesbit’s wife Harriet worked in Government House as a cook and remembered the young prince sitting in the kitchen playing the banjo, she said.

The chauffeur’s collection is being put up for auction by his family.

Ms Southon said these are “two pieces of memorabilia given by two different members of the royal family.

“I think these things are desirable. There’s a strong story behind it and the same family is lovely.

“The flag, these rarely came up for sale.”

It has an estimated sale value of £800 to £1,200, while the tie pin – given to Mr Nesbit by Edward during his 1925 South Africa tour – is estimated at £600-£800.

The auction, taking place for two weeks from April 5, also includes a 1902 Cadbury tin with chocolate still in it, commemorating the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.

It is estimated to sell for £100 to £200.