Finally, A Chance To Own Scandalous British History

LONDON—As if it wasn’t enough that British royalty is dominating headlines these days with the big Oscar wins by The King’s Speech and the plans for the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Now, they are auctioning off intimate apparel owned by the American who almost destroyed the monarchy. Lingerie once owned by Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee for whom King Edward VIII abdicated his throne in 1936, will be auctioned off on March 17. Kerry Taylor Auctioneers is conducting the sale of the items, which include a scarlet chiffon nightdress and accompanying full-length cape, an ivory chiffon nightdress and a pink chiffon nightdress with matching capelet, as well as handbags, luggage and jewelry she also owned. The auction is expected to raise 350,000 to 450,000 pounds ($530,400 to $681,900). Simpson’s love affair with and eventual marriage to King Edward VIII caused quite the scandal at the time, and was a key plot point of The King’s Speech. And while the rest of the world might be looking to buy creamers and sugar bowls and ashtrays emblazoned with the faces of Prince William and Kate, we can’t help but think we want to meet the person who is interested in these steamier souvenirs.