A piece of wedding cake from the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, which took place an impressive 77 years ago, has fetched a staggering price at auction.
Initially anticipated to sell for around $650, this remarkable slice of fruitcake ultimately went for more than four times that amount, closing at over $2,800.
The intriguing cake was discovered tucked away in a suitcase beneath a bed, revealing its extraordinary journey through time.
The original confection was served at the royal wedding on November 20, 1947, attended by approximately 2,000 guests.
This particular slice was gifted to Marion Polson, who was the housekeeper at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from 1931 until 1969.
In a surprising twist, a bidder from China secured this “very, very rare” piece of history via a phone call during the auction.
James Grinter, representing the auction house Reeman Dansie, described the cake as a “tiny time capsule of glorious cake,” highlighting its unique significance.
Marion Polson received the slice after gifting the couple a lovely dessert service as a wedding present.
She cherished it until her passing in the 1980s, at which point it became hidden among her possessions.
Remarkably, the cake remained in its original presentation box and included a letter from Princess Elizabeth herself, dated November 1947—the same month she tied the knot.
In her heartfelt note, the future queen expressed gratitude, saying, “My husband and I are deeply touched to know that you shared in giving us such a delightful wedding present.”
Elizabeth would ascend to the throne less than five years later, on February 6, 1952.
Reflecting on the gift, Elizabeth added, “We are both enchanted with the dessert service.
The different flowers and beautiful coloring will surely be greatly admired by all who see it.” The grandeur of their wedding cake is hard to fathom; it stood nine feet tall and weighed an astonishing 500 pounds!
Earlier this year, Polson's family reached out to Reeman Dansie, leading to the auction of this unique piece.
Grinter noted that this slice was the first ever sold in its entirety, making it a significant find in the realm of royal memorabilia.
“This one actually retains its original contents, which is extremely rare,” Grinter explained, emphasizing the historical context of the cake's creation during a time of rationing.
The cake was indeed magnificent, with four tiers soaked in alcohol, creating a lavish treat that would have filled half a room, as seen in the photographs.
However, Grinter candidly acknowledged that the cake might not be fit for consumption today, humorously stating, “I don't think I'd particularly want to eat it, I must admit.”
This auction serves as a charming reminder of a royal celebration that still resonates today, capturing a piece of history that enthusiasts and collectors alike are eager
