Wallis Simpson in a 1936 portrait. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Touch of royalty: Wallis Simpson’s lingerie, handbags up for bids

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Wallis Simpson in a 1936 portrait. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Wallis Simpson in a 1936 portrait. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

LONDON (AP) – Lingerie, handbags and luggage once owned by Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who shook the British monarchy, are due to be auctioned off in London.

Kerry Taylor Auctioneers says that items due to be put up for sale include a scarlet chiffon nightdress, complete with a full-length capelet, and a 1960s Louis Vuitton vanity case. The auction is set for March 17.

The story of Simpson, for whom King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, continues to fascinate. It’s currently being turned into a movie, W.E., directed by Madonna.

Next week’s sale could be quite lucrative, if previous auctions of Simpson’s possessions are anything to go by. A set of jewels once owned by the Duchess of Windsor fetched nearly 8 million pounds ($13 million) at auction when it was sold by Sotheby’s two months ago.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-ES-03-01-11 0749EST

 

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