It was a seemingly ordinary day when Ronald Baxter Jr., a 59-year-old American collector, stepped into a charity shop in South Carolina, USA. Little did he know that his casual browsing would uncover a true royal treasure.
As he scanned the shelves, an unmarked brown envelope caught his eye. Intrigued, Ronald decided to take a chance and purchased the mystery item for just $8 (approximately £6.20).
Unveiling a Priceless Piece of History
Once home, Ronald eagerly opened the envelope, curious to discover its contents. To his utter amazement, he found himself holding a rare film reel depicting the christening of none other than King Charles III, who was just four weeks old at the time.
The footage, titled “Baby Prince Charles: A Film Record of The Royal and Happy Event,” captured a remarkable moment in history. It showed the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the future king and other members of the Royal Family.
A Glimpse into the Past
As Ronald held the film up to the light, he was struck by the incredible detail and clarity of the images. The footage featured not only the newborn Prince Charles but also four generations of monarchs – Queen Mary, King George VI, the Queen Mother Queen Elizabeth II, and the current King Charles III himself.
“I opened the envelope when I got home and I was like ‘wow’. I was shocked to see Queen Elizabeth and young King Charles there,” Ronald recounted. “I held the film up to the light and thought ‘man, how did that end up there for $8?'”
A Treasure Trove of Royal History
The christening ceremony, which took place in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace on December 15, 1948, was a significant event in the life of the future King. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher, baptized the sleeping baby using water from the River Jordan, as the precious family moment was captured on film.
Remarkably, this footage had remained hidden for decades until Ronald’s chance discovery. The Associated Press and British Movietone had previously shared a four-minute clip of the christening in 2016, but the full reel remained elusive.
A Collector’s Dilemma
Now in possession of this rare and invaluable piece of royal history, Ronald faces a dilemma. He has never watched the video, instead opting to keep it safely stored away, unsure of its true worth.
“I have never watched the video, I put it back in the envelope and have kept it in a safe space ever since,” Ronald said. “I am unsure how much the film might be worth, but I am hoping to sell it to the highest bidder.”
A Remarkable Stroke of Luck
Ronald’s chance discovery at the charity shop is a testament to the unexpected treasures that can be found in the most unassuming places. His serendipitous purchase of the rare King Charles christening footage has not only provided him with a unique piece of history but also a potential financial windfall.
As the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the life of King Charles III, this remarkable find serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary of days can hold the potential for extraordinary discoveries.
