This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7491058.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Royal memorabilia up for auction | Royal memorabilia up for auction |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| A unique collection of royal letters, photographs and artefacts is to go up for auction. | A unique collection of royal letters, photographs and artefacts is to go up for auction. |
| The items were discovered after the death of former royal servant William Tallon, known as Backstairs Billy. | The items were discovered after the death of former royal servant William Tallon, known as Backstairs Billy. |
| It is thought the collection could raise at least £250,000 when it is auctioned in Colchester, Essex. | It is thought the collection could raise at least £250,000 when it is auctioned in Colchester, Essex. |
| Mr Tallon worked for the royal family for 52 years and was known for devoted service to the Queen Mother. He never spoke publicly about the royals. | Mr Tallon worked for the royal family for 52 years and was known for devoted service to the Queen Mother. He never spoke publicly about the royals. |
| He also turned down all requests to write a book or be interviewed. | He also turned down all requests to write a book or be interviewed. |
| class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7487366.stm">In pictures: Royal items auction The auction is an intimate look into his life as a royal insider. Mr Tallon, who joined the royal household when aged 15, kept every thank you letter, every Christmas card and every invitation he received. | |
| Janet Canon of Reeman Dansie, the auction house running the sale, said it was a "lovely collection of quite amazing bits and pieces". | Janet Canon of Reeman Dansie, the auction house running the sale, said it was a "lovely collection of quite amazing bits and pieces". |
| She added: "Lots of people are flying in from overseas, especially from America and Canada, to take part in the auction." | She added: "Lots of people are flying in from overseas, especially from America and Canada, to take part in the auction." |
| Included in the sale is a letter sent to Mr Tallon by Princess Diana after the birth of Prince William that reads: "We are not sure at the moment what has hit us, except a very strong pair of lungs." | |
| There is also a note from the Queen Mother that says: "I think that I will take two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin with me this morning, in case it is needed." | There is also a note from the Queen Mother that says: "I think that I will take two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin with me this morning, in case it is needed." |
| A Buckingham Palace spokesman would not comment on the sale. | A Buckingham Palace spokesman would not comment on the sale. |