Never-before-seen photos of Elvis Presley enjoying a “secret” holiday with a young German woman during his time in the army have been discovered.
The black and white images show the then 24-year-old relaxing with Rosemarie Prass during her military vacation in the summer of 1959.
Elvis was already a superstar at the time of his national service, which lasted from 1958 to 1960.
Fans had sent tens of thousands of letters to army leaders asking them to spare him from military service – to no avail.
After basic training, which included an emergency leave to travel home to his mother, Gladys, before she died in August 1985, as well as some time to finish the film he was working on, King Creole.
The Prass family took several photos of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during his vacation
The King of Rock (pictured right) was drafted into military service at the time
The black and white pictures show the then 24-year-old relaxing with Rosemarie Prass (pictured right) during her vacation from the military in the summer of 1959
During his vacation, he stayed in a remote guesthouse in Germany and spent time in the company of a family camping on the site
Elvis gave an autograph to the Prass family, who were living with him at the time
On the day he reported for his physical exam, March 24, 1958, dubbed “Black Monday” by his fans, he was sworn in and named leader of his group after being assigned Army serial number 53310761 had been.
He stayed in a remote guesthouse 20 miles away and spent time in the company of a family camping on the site.
Among them was 18-year-old Rosemarie, and the couple went on bike rides, rode in a Messerschmidt bubble car and sunbathed together.
The Prass family took several photos of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during his vacation.
It is unknown if the couple had a romantic relationship, but there is a photo of him with his arm around Rosemarie, who is wearing a swimsuit.
There is also a photo of Elvis relaxing in his army uniform while sitting in a beer garden chair.
A few weeks after the photos were taken, Elvis was introduced to his future wife Priscilla, then 14, by an army friend at a party at his home in Bad Nauheim, Germany.
The photos and chair were later purchased by Rosemarie’s friend and neighbor Natalie Pech
The details of the secret holiday were not revealed until 2002, 25 years after his death
The pictures were kept by Rosemarie for the rest of her life, along with the chair that Elvis signed at the time.
She only revealed details of his “secret vacation” in 2002, 25 years after his death.
The photos and chair were later purchased by Rosemarie’s friend and neighbor Natalie Pech.
They are now for sale at Kruse GWS Auctions in Los Angeles, USA, for £15,000.
Auctioneer Dame Brigitte Kruse said: “This wonderful story has truly never been told.”
The pictures were kept by Rosemarie for the rest of her life, along with the chair that Elvis signed at the time
Elvis’ faint signature can be seen in the wood of the chair
“What’s special about this archive is that Elvis met Priscilla in September 1959, so these photos of his secret vacation were taken right before that time.”
“He was spending time with this other young lady that no one had ever really heard of.” They obviously had a wonderful time together. Were they romantically involved? Who knows.
“These items offer a rare glimpse into some of the most important moments in his personal life.”
“One can only imagine the conversations Elvis had while sitting in this remarkable chair.
Elvis fought until March 2, 1960 in the 1st Medium Tank Battalion of the 32nd Armored Division of the 3rd Armored Division as an armament reconnaissance specialist
During his time in the army he was offered special accommodation, but he lived with his comrades and worked alongside them
His service ended on March 2, 1960, when he flew home from Germany to the United States, making a brief stopover at Prestwick Airport in Scotland. It was the only time Elvis set foot in the UK
On the day he reported for his physical exam, March 24, 1958, dubbed “Black Monday” by his fans, he was sworn in and named leader of his group after being assigned Army serial number 53310761 had been
“The wooden slatted chair is great. It folds up and is very compact. Such furniture is no longer manufactured. It is very sturdy and I can imagine it lasting another 200 years.
“The photos are part of the history of the chair.” “They are very candid and have never been seen before.”
The sale will take place on December 2nd.
Elvis fought in the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armored Division, 3rd Armored Division, as an armaments reconnaissance specialist.
During his time in the army he was offered special accommodation, but he lived with his comrades and worked alongside them.
His service ended on March 2, 1960, when he flew home from Germany to the United States, making a brief stopover at Prestwick Airport in Scotland. It was the only time Elvis set foot in the UK.
The bar at the airport has since been renamed in honor of the King of Rock and a plaque still commemorates his brief but memorable time in Britain.