As the world binge-watches The Crown – and counts down to the royal behemoth’s final six episodes, due to land on Netflix on 14 December – the streaming giant has yet another treat up its sleeve for fans: the news that as the show comes to its epic conclusion, a whopping 450 meticulously-designed costumes and props are set to go under the hammer.
On 19 November, it was announced that Bonhams would be hosting a once-in-a-lifetime auction featuring items from all six seasons of the awards-laden drama. On offer? A replica of Princess Diana’s unforgettable revenge dress, as worn by Elizabeth Debicki, and priced between £8,000 and £12,000; her leopard-print swimsuit and Versace sunglasses, as seen in the first episode of series six; her jaw-dropping engagement ring; Queen Elizabeth II’s stunning Coronation robes, as sported by Claire Foy, and expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000; and even the world’s only reproduction of the Queen’s elaborately gilded Coronation carriage, which could set you back up to £50,000. There are also pieces that have been worn by Vanessa Kirby’s Princess Margaret (the satin and tulle ball gown she donned in season two, when posing for Cecil Beaton), and Lia Williams’s Wallis Simpson (the column gown she wears in season one, when being photographed with the Duke of Windsor).
Best of all, it’s all for a good cause. The proceeds from the sale will fund a new scholarship programme at the National Film and Television School, designed to support dozens of students to hone their skills in everything from directing and editing to production design and art direction over the next two decades. (The NFTS and The Crown have long had a close relationship, with over 60 alumni having worked on the show since its inception.)
So, mark your calendars for 30 January 2024, when the online auction of the first 300 lots will commence, followed by a live sale of the final 150 items at Bonhams on 7 February. It might just be the only thing that gets you through your mourning period for The Crown.
This article first appeared on vogue.co.uk
