A rare bottle of whisky made to mark a royal marriage decades ago could sell for thousands of pounds at auction.
The bottle of ‘The Macallan Royal Marriage Malt Whisky’ was created 41 years ago to mark the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. They married on Wednesday 29 July, 1981, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London – a grand spectacle watched on TV by around 28.4 million people in 74 countries.
Their love affair entranced the world ahead of the big day and Macallan decided to produce a’ marriage of whiskies’ distilled in 1948 and 1961, the years Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were born. It was bottled in Scotland and released in 1981.
The label on ‘The Macallan Royal Marriage Malt Whisky’ displays an illustration of two whisky barrels nestled side by side bearing the years 1948 and 1961. Underneath is the message ‘Long Life and Happiness’
The label goes on to say, ‘To mark the historic occasion of the wedding of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales & Lady Diana Spencer, the directors of Macallan-Glenlivet Limited respectfully present this loyal celebration vatting: a unique marriage of our fine single malt whisky distilled in 1948 and 1961, respectively the years of the Royal couple’s births’.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Macallan is world-renowned for its fine whisky and this rare limited-edition Royal Marriage Malt is likely to be sought after. Anyone old enough to remember watching that fairy-tale wedding in 1981 on a warm summer’s day will recall the excitement and national celebrations surrounding the event. This whisky is a reminder of a joyful moment. There were street parties galore and families came together to share the magic of the pomp and ceremony on TV.
“Sady, of course, the marriage did not last. The royal couple separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996. The following year in 1997 Diana was tragically killed aged only 36 following a car accident in Paris. But we will never forget her, or the sheer volume of happiness that royal wedding day produced. If only you could bottle that! At least we have the 1981 celebration whisky!
“It’s a rare bottle to find and we have seen it offered by whisky retailers for prices approaching £10,000. For any whisky connoisseur or collector, it’s an impressive addition to the drinks cellar and an investment item.”
The Macallan Royal Marriage Malt Whisky, lot 1373, will go to auction with an estimate of £1,800-£2000 on August 19 in Hansons Auctioneers’ August 18-22 Antiques & Collectors Auction.
Bid online at catalogue/bidding platforms: www.hansonlive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com. To find out more, email: [email protected].
