A 77-Year-Old Slice of Queen Elizabeth II’s Wedding Cake Was Auctioned for $2,800
A 77-year-old slice of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding cake recently sold for $2,800 at auction, far exceeding its initial estimate of $650. This extraordinary piece of history was found under a bed in Scotland, stored in a suitcase alongside a letter from the then-Princess Elizabeth.
The original wedding cake, served on November 20, 1947, was a grand creation, standing nine feet tall and weighing 500 pounds. It featured four tiers embellished with intricate decorations, including the coats of arms of both families and sugar-iced figures representing the couple’s favorite activities. The cake was divided into approximately 2,000 slices for guests, with additional portions sent to charities and organizations.
The official 4ft high wedding cake was decorated with the arms of both families, as well as monograms for the bride and groom. The creators also included sugar figures of the couple’s favourite activities. 11 other cakes had been given to the couple from commonwealth countries. pic.twitter.com/K7BfVXSluT
— Judith Ince (@judithin77) November 20, 2022
Marion Polson, who worked as a housekeeper at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1969, was given the auctioned slice as a gesture of gratitude. In return for her thoughtful wedding gift to the royal couple, she received this piece of the cake, preserved in its original box along with a letter from Princess Elizabeth expressing her appreciation for the “wonderful wedding gift.”
Over the decades, the slice remained untouched until it was recently uncovered by Polson’s family. The auction, conducted by Reeman Dansie, generated considerable interest and culminated in a winning bid from a collector in China. James Grinter of Reeman Dansie described the find as “a remarkable piece of history preserved in cake form.”
While the cake is no longer edible, its historical significance and royal connection make it a treasured artifact. This sale highlights the enduring fascination with royal memorabilia and the timeless legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding.
