A slice of royal history is about to be served up for auction, and it's a real doozy! But this isn't your typical souvenir; it's a 77-year-old piece of Queen Elizabeth's wedding cake, a true relic from her 1947 nuptials to Prince Philip. And the story behind it is as fascinating as the cake itself.
Hanson's Auctioneers is offering a unique piece of memorabilia: a crumbling slice of the massive 500-pound wedding cake. This sweet treat was originally gifted to Cyril Dickman, a dedicated royal steward who served both the late Queen and Princess Diana. Talk about a royal connection!
The cake, a towering nine-foot creation, was a centerpiece at the Buckingham Palace celebrations. It was an impressive culinary feat, crafted with 80 oranges, 660 eggs, and over three gallons of navy rum. But here's where it gets interesting: the fruit was a gift from the Australian Girl Guides, and a slice of this cake embarked on a 10,000-mile journey, preserved with rum and brandy, back to Australia.
The cake's intricate details are revealed in a 1947 press release, which describes the delicate sugar work and the traditional lucky charms hidden within. These charms, a part of fruit cake tradition, include a silver coin, a thimble, a bell, a button, a boot, and a horseshoe. Who knew a wedding cake could be so symbolic?
This cake has traveled the world, with slices sent to various Commonwealth countries and charities, earning its famous nickname. The slice up for auction has been carefully preserved in a humble box, bearing the inscription, 'Presented to Mr. C. Dickman by Princess Elizabeth Nov 20th, 1947.' And it's not the only piece of the Queen's wedding to find its way to auction; a bridesmaid's gown sold for a staggering £37,800 last year, and even the official wedding gift list book fetched £11,000 in 2021.
But why are these royal mementoes so sought-after? Is it the allure of owning a piece of history, or the chance to glimpse into the lives of the monarchy? And what does it say about our fascination with royalty that these items can fetch such high prices? Perhaps it's a combination of nostalgia, tradition, and a touch of controversy. After all, the royal family has always sparked curiosity and debate. What do you think? Are these auctions a fun way to celebrate history, or something more complex?
