Queen Elizabeth 1947 Wedding Cake Slice: A slice of wedding cake from the 1947 royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has been auctioned for £2,200 (approximately Rs 2.40 lakh), making it a prized piece of royal history. The 77-year-old slice, which has been preserved in its original packaging, offers a rare glimpse into the couple’s historic wedding celebration.
A Slice of Royal History
The cake slice, still in its original box, features a silver emblem of the then-Princess Elizabeth, marking its significance as a piece of the royal wedding. Inside the box, an intricate doily has helped keep the cake intact for over seven decades. This particular slice was originally given to Marion Polson, a housekeeper at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, who worked there from 1931 to 1969.
In addition to the cake, Polson received a personal letter from the future queen, thanking her for a wedding gift. The letter reads: “We are both enchanted with the dessert service; the different flowers and the beautiful colouring will, I know, be greatly admired by all who see it.” Signed by Princess Elizabeth, the letter adds further value to the collectible item.
The Cake’s Legacy
The original wedding cake, a towering creation that stood nine feet tall and weighed 500 pounds (227 kg), was decorated with the coats of arms of both royal families and featured sugar sculptures of the couple’s favorite activities. The massive cake served 2,000 guests and was shared with charities and organizations. One tier was preserved for the christening of the couple’s first child, Prince Charles.
Though the cake has long since been eaten, several pieces have been preserved and sold at auction over the years. The slice that sold recently was one of the most coveted, and as royal memorabilia continues to be in high demand, it joins the ranks of other pieces from the historic 1947 wedding that have been auctioned off. In 2013, another slice from the same wedding cake fetched £1,750 (around Rs 1.91 lakh) at Christie’s.
A Valuable Piece of Royal Memorabilia
This auctioned slice of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding cake is not just a piece of confectionery but a symbol of a momentous event in royal history. As royal memorabilia continues to captivate collectors, this rare item reflects the enduring fascination with the British royal family and their legacy.
