Royal collection for sale

2008-07-04 09:06

Meera Selva

London - There is a letter from Diana as a new bride, saying thank you for flowers in her room the day before her wedding. There is a photograph of Princes Charles and William at an alfresco lunch under a shady tree. And there are years and years of Christmas cards and the occasional request for gin cocktails from the Queen Mother.

Billy Tallon's collection of royal paraphernalia, that goes on sale on Saturday, is an engaging insight into the life of the British monarchy.

Tallon joined the royal household when he was just 15 and over the next 51 years, he became a trusted and valued senior servant. When he died last year, he left a vast, carefully preserved collection of cards, letters, photographs and presents the Royal Family had given him over the years.

"This is a lovely collection of quite amazing bits and pieces," said Janet Canon at Reeman Dansie, the auction house that is running the sale. "Lots of people are flying in from overseas, especially from America and Canada, to take part in the auction."

Tallon's long-term partner Reginald Wilcox also worked as an underbutler in the royal household, and Tallon inherited his memorabilia when he died. Saturday's auction, includes some of Wilcox's possessions. The items are being put up for sale by members of Tallon's family.

Tallon, known affectionately as "Backstairs Billy", devoted his whole life to the royal family. He was especially attached to the Queen Mother, for whom he was chief steward. His estate includes a handwritten note the Duke of Kent sent him after the Queen Mother died, saying: "I know all too well how grievous must be her loss to you and what an enormous gap she will leave in your life."

Canon said the 700 lots are valued at an estimated £250 000 but that the collection is likely to sell for a lot more.

"There are people who really, really love the Royal Family and would pay anything to get some of these pieces. There is also some genuinely valuable pieces of art in the collection too."

Canon said Buckingham Palace had inspected all the items and approved the auction. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with Palace policy, would not comment on the sale.

- AP