Despite being one of the most beloved icons of the silver screen, Audrey Hepburn was a *very* private person—which is why the upcoming auction of her personal letters is stirring up all kinds of Old Hollywood thirst across the internet.
The star's handwritten notes to friend Sir Felix Alymer chronicle what Bonhams Auction House calls (opens in new tab) the most "dramatic decade of her life" (1951-1960), and address her separation from James Hanson, her marriage to Mel Ferrer, and the birth of her first child. Kinda a posthumous invasion of privacy, but whatever.
The letters are gorgeous and heartbreaking—especially when it comes to Audrey's description of her called-off engagement. "It is with a heavy heart I am writing to tell you James Hanson and I are no longer engaged," the Hollywood icon wrote (opens in new tab) to her friend. "I know there is little I need explain to you, a gentleman of this profession. For a year I thought it possible to make our combined lives and careers work out...It is all very unhappy-making but I am sure it is the only sensible decision."
Audrey Hepburn and James Hanson
Hepburn also wrote Alymer to chat about wedding planning with Mel Ferrer, saying, "How dearly we would love you to be with us on our wedding day...We will have the car take you up to our mountain peak, Friday, for a gathering in our chalet of our nearest and dearest!...Saturday will be the wedding...We want to keep it a dark secret in order to have it without the 'press.'"
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer on Their Wedding Day
The star went on to have two miscarriages before giving birth to a baby boy, and wrote Alymer again with the joyous news of her son's birth: "Sean is truly a dream. I find it hard to believe he is really ours to keep. I long to show him to you. We all three send our love and kisses, Audrey."
The letters go on sale at Bonhams on June 29, and are expected to fetch somewhere between $4,200 and $5,600. Oh, and there's also a note from Audrey's mom complaining bitterly about Mel: "That frog faced delinquent with the spindly legs has caused sufficient havoc to last a long time and I believe that Audrey is getting rather sick of the neurotic side to him!"
File under "Old Hollywood Shade."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Bow Down to Beyoncé, Queen of the GrammysQueen Bey is now the most decorated artist in Grammy history.
-
Taylor Swift Channeled Midnight Rain at the 2023 Grammys
The pop star knows how to make the red carpet *shimmer*.
-
Viola Davis Earns EGOT Status With Win at the Grammys
The actress picked up the statue for the narration of her memoir, 'Finding Me.'
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
