Royal Treasures from Queen Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle Head to the Auction Block
The Downton Abbey movie introduced a new audience to King George V, his wife, Queen Mary, and their daughter, Princess Mary, the Countess of Harewood. Now, treasures from the real-life royals that inspired Julian Fellowes's story, are heading to the auction block.
On December 13, a sale aptly titled "Property from descendants of Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary" will take place at Christie's and will feature pieces previously owned by both Princess Mary, Princess Royal, and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, who was the third son of King George V and Queen Mary, and the uncle of Queen Elizabeth II.
Comprised of 317 lots, 237 pieces come from the collection of the Dukes of Gloucester and 80 from the Earl of Harewood, with estimates ranging from £300 to £100,000.
Standout items up for sale include a collection of medals from Edward VII's coronation, a bejeweled snuff box featuring portraits of Queen Mary and George V, a first edition of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, a pearwood carving of the Hanoverian coat of arms, furniture embroidered by Princess Alice, and a dollhouse that belonged to Lady Davina and Lady Rose Taylor, the grandchildren of Prince Henry.
While no reason was given for the sale of the items, it's possible that the current Duke of Gloucester, who is the Queen's cousin, cleaned house a bit when he moved from Apartment 1 of Kensington Palace to a smaller residence called the Old Stables earlier this year.
For more information, including a full catalog, head to Christies.com.
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