British royalty items up for sale
Auction: People from all over globe fly to take part in event
Collection is from butler's family.
British royalty items up for sale

By The Associated Press
Published: July 4, 2008

LONDON — A royal butler's collection of letters, cards and photographs, including a thank you note from Princess Diana and requests for gin cocktails from Queen Mother Elizabeth, will be put up for auction Saturday.

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Billy Tallon joined the royal household when he was just 15 and, over the next 51 years, became a trusted and valued senior servant. When he died last year, he left the vast, carefully preserved collection.

It also includes presents from the royal family, such as a silver ashtray engraved with a Royal symbol.

"This is a lovely collection of quite amazing bits and pieces,” said Janet Canon at auction house Reeman Dansie. "Lots of people are flying in from overseas, especially from America and Canada to take part in the auction.”

Tallon's long-term partner Reginald Wilcox also worked as an under butler in the royal household and Tallon inherited his memorabilia when he died. Saturday's auction includes some of Wilcox's possessions.


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