A letter penned by a 25-year-old King Charles expressing gratitude for a memorable time at Acapulco, a renowned party destination, has resurfaced after more than five decades. The Prince of Wales, serving in the Royal Navy at the time, visited the upscale Las Brisas resort in the Mexican beach town in 1974.
In the letter addressed to American hotelier Col Frank Brandstetter on April 3, 1974, the young royal reminisces about a lively last night spent at the luxurious beach resort known for its unique feature of individual swimming pools attached to each room. He thanked his host for the “enormous fun” and jokingly expressed concern about any potential mischief that may have occurred during their time at the resort.
Having received positive feedback about the hotel from his staff who stayed there in 1970, the prince, writing from the Caribbean, expressed his admiration for the establishment. He mentioned being impressed by the experience and extended well wishes to diplomat Henry Kissinger, who was expected to honeymoon at Las Brisas.
Prince Charles, who had served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy during the 1970s, detailed his naval career, including stints on various naval vessels and his qualification as a helicopter pilot in 1974. The letter, part of a private collection, is currently available for sale at RR Auction with an estimated value of £300 ($400).
An RR Auction representative highlighted that the handwritten letter from Prince Charles, then a lieutenant in the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Jupiter, was sent to Col Brandstetter, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry renowned for owning the acclaimed Las Brisas resort in Acapulco. The letter, signed simply as ‘Charles,’ expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality shown during his visit and hinted at potential future encounters at the resort.
The article also mentioned the release of the song “Loco in Acapulco” by The Four Tops in 1988 and upcoming auction details scheduled for February 12.
