A slice of wedding cake from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's 1947 ceremony has sold for more than four times its estimated value. The fruitcake, discovered in its original box, was auctioned for over $2,800, far exceeding the anticipated value. This rare piece of royal history was purchased by a bidder in China.
- Queen Elizabeth's wedding cake was historic
- A slice of it was auctioned 77 years after the fact
- HERE is the scoop
An Unexpected Auction Surprise
A remarkable piece of history has recently captured the attention of royal enthusiasts and collectors alike. A slice of wedding cake from the 1947 nuptials of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip was discovered under a bed in a suitcase and has fetched an astonishing price at auction.
Originally expected to sell for around $650, the cake slice was ultimately purchased for over $2,800, according to the BBC.
The cake was a gift from Marion Polson, who served as the housekeeper at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1969. The original towering cake was a centerpiece at the royal wedding, served to 2,000 guests.
Polson received a slice of this grand confection as a token of gratitude after gifting the couple a “delightful” dessert service. The cake remained with her until her passing in the 1980s, eventually being tucked away with her belongings.
The auction house Reeman Dansie facilitated the sale, with James Grinter remarking, “It’s a real little find, a little time capsule of glorious cake.” This particular slice is especially rare, as it was found in its original presentation box, accompanied by a letter from Princess Elizabeth herself, dated November 1947.
A Royal Time Capsule
The letter expressed gratitude for the thoughtful wedding gift, stating, “My husband and I are deeply touched to know that you shared in giving us such a delightful wedding present.”
“We are both enchanted with the dessert service,” the former Princess Elizabeth continued. “The different flowers and the beautiful coloring will, I know, be greatly admired by all who see it.”
The wedding cake was a true marvel of its time, standing nine feet tall and weighing an impressive 500 pounds. Constructed during a period of rationing, it was a testament to the couple's status and the occasion's significance. The cake featured four tiers, each infused with alcohol to preserve it, a common practice for celebratory cakes of that era.
The slice auctioned is the first known piece sold in its entirety, making it a unique collectible. Grinter noted, “This one actually has its original contents which is very, very rare.” Despite its historical value, he admitted, “I don’t think I’d particularly want to eat it, I must admit.”
Elizabeth and Philip’s cake consisted of four tiers and was laced with alcohol, the BBC reported.
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The winning bid came from a collector in China, underscoring the global fascination with British royal history. This sale not only highlights the enduring allure of the British monarchy but also the timeless appeal of royal memorabilia.
