BBC’s Antiques Roadshow left guests and viewers alike stunned when a set of Queen Victoria’s undergarments were valued at an astonishing price tag during a September 2022 episode, which aired again this weekend.
A guest appeared on the show at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, bringing with him a pair of the Queen’s bloomers along with a nightdress.
They were both inherited from his late aunt, who had served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter.
“Somewhere, there’s a link,” the guest said, attempting to piece together the connection between his family and the royal items.
Admitting he was unsure of the exact lineage, he added: “I’m miles off!”
Antiques expert Hilary Kay was delighted to examine the rare undergarments, explaining that it wasn’t unusual to find Queen Victoria’s personal items in circulation.
“I’ve spoken to the Historic Royal Palaces about this and the thought is that she actually asked her staff to give these away.
“Not because they were worn out, but because they were in reasonable condition, beautiful fabrics, and she hoped they might be able to make something of them.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert issues plea with viewBBC Antiques Roadshow expert refuses to value particular item relating to Irish poet: ‘Not going to’BBC Antiques Roadshow guest emotional as they refuse to believe expert’s opinion: ‘It’s not true!’
Kay added that it’s more likely people kept such pieces as souvenirs, as a personal link to the Queen herself.
The expert went on to explain that the Queen’s split drawers tend to attract the most interest and she highlighted how clever the design was for that era.
With the anticipation building, Kay teased the valuation before revealing its worth.
When asked how much he thought the items might be valued at, the guest admitted he had no idea.
Kay then delivered the jaw-dropping estimate: “I know that the market is strong, and I would certainly say something above £15,000.”
The audience gasped at the figure, and the guest was left astounded. “Right, that’s a lot of money, worth hanging onto then. Very good,” he said, before adding:
“I’m amazed that there is such interest- that people want to pay so much money for this sort of item.
“I think we need now to make sure they’re looked after safely, and perhaps better than just being put in a box.”
