Queen Victoria was renowned for wearing black after the loss of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861 – but a royal find suggests she was not averse to some hidden colour in her life.
A pair of Queen Victoria’s red wool stockings have been uncovered – complete with a small hole and darning, perhaps an indication the famous royal ensured clothes lasted as long as possible. The legwear, circa 1860s, entered Hansons’ Fine Art Auction with an estimate of £400-£500.
It is likely the stockings were worn by Queen Victoria as they were gifted to Alexander Lamont Henderson, Royal Photographer to Queen Victoria until her death in 1901. In 1884, Henderson obtained a Royal Warrant to capture everyday royal life and various items from the Queen’s closet were given to him.
In 2020, some of his other Queen Victoria items including a skirt, bodice, stockings and leather boots sold for more than £17,000 at Hansons. They had been in a Norfolk wardrobe for more than 100 years. Most of the lots were secured for £14,000 by Historic Royal Palaces, a charity which looks after London’s Kensington Palace, Victoria’s place of birth.
Entries are invited for Hansons’ Royal Memorabilia Platinum Jubilee Auction on May 26 which has been scheduled to honour the current Queen’s major milestone.
Queen Elizabeth II took up her role on February 6, 1952 and is marking 70 years of service to the people of the UK, the Realms and the Commonwealth. She is the first British monarch to do so.
Much is planned to mark this unprecedented milestone including a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from June 2-5. To book a free valuation, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RED ROYAL STOCKINGS FOR SALE MARCH 31 2022
