Auction Figures

When Sothebys puts the collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor on the block later this month, collectors will have an opportunity to acquire souvenirs from two royal tragedies for the price of one. Six months ago, the auction would have attracted those eager to own mementos of the 1936 abdication of King Edward, who abandoned the throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. But the collections contemporary significance comes from its previous owner: Dodi Fayed.

Fayed had acquired the Windsors French home, and media reports at the time of the accident that killed him and Princess Diana alleged they had plans to marry and live in the home which might have been a symbolic affront to the House of Windsor.

Profits from the sale of the contents of the home which range from furniture and personal effects to a 60-year-old piece of cake from the Windsors wedding will go to the Dodi Fayed International Charitable Foundation, which will support causes backed by Di and Dodi during their lifetimes.