1956 Marilyn Monroe Meets Queen Elizabeth Original Photograph - Iconic Image Used as the Centerpiece for Countless Publications! - PSA/DNA Type 1
In the summer of 1956, film star Marilyn Monroe and her husband Arthur Miller traveled to Windsor, England to film The Prince and the Showgirl, co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier. At the time, Marilyn Monroe was the most famous actress in the world, and while residing in England she had but one wish: to meet Queen Elizabeth II. The 30 year-old monarch was in her 4th year on the throne, and like Marilyn Monroe, the public was fascinated with the young Queen.
Monroe finally got her wish to meet the queen on October 29, 1956. Monroe and many of the world’s most famous actors were invited to attend the Royal Command Performance at London’s Empire Theatre. At the theatre, Monroe joined the receiving line and waited nervously as the Queen moved from one famous star to another. When the Queen finally reached Monroe, Her Majesty looked the starlet up and down. Monroe gently took the Queen’s hand and curtsied. The two talked for a few minutes about being neighbors in Windsor. Afterwards Marilyn said of the monarch, "The Queen is very warm-hearted. She radiates sweetness.” Queen Elizabeth came away from the brief meeting fascinated with Marilyn Monroe, and it was later reported that the Queen had watched all the actress’s movies.
A media frenzy ensued when the Queen sadly passed away earlier this year. This regal Type 1 photograph was taken at the moment the two most famous women in the world met in 1956. The Queen is resplendent in a long black gown with a diamond-and-emerald tiara and white gloves. Marilyn is magical in a shimmering low-cut, skin-tight gold lamé gown with matching gloves. This photograph has been reproduced in countless newspapers, magazines, books, and documentaries. Below are some links to illustrate it. This iconic photo was even the basis for a best-selling book, “When Marilyn Met the Queen” by Michelle Morgan. The Type 1 photo measuring 8” x 10” shows some edge wear and a light small crease in the boarder areas but is in overall excellent to mint condition. The back shows some light staining and has pencil notations including, “M. Monroe Q. Elizabeth” and a Brown Brothers credit stamp. The photo has been encapsulated and graded Authentic by PSA.
More resources about this photo and the significance and context can be found here:
https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-marilyn-monroe-meeting-what-they-thought-of-each-other/
https://nypost.com/2022/05/28/how-marilyn-monroe-upstaged-queen-elizabeth-with-sexy-dress/
https://www.etonline.com/news/190153_marilyn_monroe_met_queen_elizabeth_ii_at_london_film_premiere_rare_footage
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a39860773/how-marilyn-monroe-met-queen-elizabeth-book-excerpt/
https://www.iconichistoricalphotos.com/marilyn-monroe-and-the-queen-of-england/