King Charles Mourns Beloved Companion in Unearthed Letter — The One Princess Diana Couldn't Stand
Harvey, the pet Labrador was famously featured in the first official photocall after Prince Charles and Lady Diana's engagement.
The love that members of the royal family have for animals is well documented, and Queen Elizabeth's horse and her canines will forever be mentioned with her. King Charles also had a beloved companion that followed him almost everywhere during the 1970s and 80s. 'Harvey,' a spirited and bright Labrador, entertained the then Prince with "his dotty antics." However, the monarch had to part ways with his aging companion because it soon became a source of contention between him and Diana, the Princess of Wales, who found the pet "too smelly." According to The Telegraph, this devastating revelation came in the shape of a single-page letter discovered at an auction nearly 40 years later. The letter states that Harvey was rehomed in 1984 with Lt Col Phillip Creasy, comptroller to the Prince and Princess of Wales. In 1987, Prince Charles learned of the tragic news that Harvey had been "put to sleep." " He responded to the “very sad” news by writing to Lt Col Creasy, “You were absolutely right to take the decision you did, although it is always a desperate one to have to take.”
Further in the letter, Charles expressed his gratitude for the affection shown towards his beloved friend, highlighting the joyful memories shared and the kindness demonstrated by the couple in caring for him, ensuring a happy retirement away from poor conditions. "He was a splendid character, and when we were both a bit younger, he made me laugh so much by his dotty antics. As you say, he was a loyal old friend, and I cannot thank you and your wife enough for your great kindness," he wrote. Harvey frequently accompanied Charles and is noted for joining him on fishing trips. It has been reported that the Kensington Palace-headed letter was part of Harvey's archive and sold for an estimated $882 at Chiswick Auctions in west London. "King Charles has often spoken publicly about his affection for animals and nature. This lot shows his genuine love for his dog and reinforces his long-standing image as an animal lover," manuscript specialist at Chiswick Auctions, Valentina Borghi, noted.
Harvey was famously featured in the first official photocall after Prince Charles and Lady Diana's engagement at Balmoral in 1981. In her 2005 book, "The Firm," biographer Penny Junor first addressed Harvey's departure from the royal household, noting that Charles gave up his faithful Labrador due to Diana's concerns over the dog's stench. Lt Col Creasy's archival memorandum also revealed that Harvey had adapted well to his new home, with a funny mention of his inclination to destroy the flowerbed and cabbage patches.
Charles humorously responded to the memorandum saying, "If you really can endure his anti-social habits, and please say if it is awkward, I am delighted you find him an amusing companion." In another letter, he noted pleasure in Harvey's transformation but hoped he wasn't damaging the surroundings. The King's emotional outpouring towards his pet signifies his profound grief, compassion, and an undying bond that might last a lifetime.
