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Mrs Simpson brooch to go on sale | Mrs Simpson brooch to go on sale |
(about 18 hours later) | |
A Cartier ruby and sapphire brooch given to Wallis Simpson by Edward VIII at the start of their love affair has gone on display ahead of an auction. | A Cartier ruby and sapphire brooch given to Wallis Simpson by Edward VIII at the start of their love affair has gone on display ahead of an auction. |
The piece which bears their first name initials, WE, was commissioned in 1934 by the King, then the Prince of Wales. | The piece which bears their first name initials, WE, was commissioned in 1934 by the King, then the Prince of Wales. |
It is expected to fetch £35,000, while another gift of a Cartier cuff bangle is anticipated to sell for £30,000. | It is expected to fetch £35,000, while another gift of a Cartier cuff bangle is anticipated to sell for £30,000. |
Such lavish gifts fuelled rumours about the prince's love for Mrs Simpson, for whom he later gave up the throne. | |
In January 1936, King George V died and the prince became King Edward VIII. | |
Golden spheres | Golden spheres |
As King, and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Edward could not marry the American divorcee and had to choose between his country and his lover. | As King, and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Edward could not marry the American divorcee and had to choose between his country and his lover. |
By December, he had abdicated following a constitutional crisis and Wallis Simpson had filed for divorce from her husband. | By December, he had abdicated following a constitutional crisis and Wallis Simpson had filed for divorce from her husband. |
The bracelet is inscribed with 'For a happier New Year' | The bracelet is inscribed with 'For a happier New Year' |
They married in exile the following year and lived as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. | They married in exile the following year and lived as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. |
It was at the start of 1941 that the former king gave his wife the bracelet as a present. | It was at the start of 1941 that the former king gave his wife the bracelet as a present. |
It is decorated with three central rows of golden spheres and inscribed with the words: "For a happier New Year, Nassau 1-1-41, WE." | It is decorated with three central rows of golden spheres and inscribed with the words: "For a happier New Year, Nassau 1-1-41, WE." |
The auction will take place at Bonhams in London on 7 December. | The auction will take place at Bonhams in London on 7 December. |