A unique collection of British royalty memorabilia amassed over half a century by a household family servant sparked an international bidding frenzy on Saturday (local time) that doubled its value when it went under the hammer.
The private collection including pictures, cards, notes, cups and outfits built up by William Tallon, affectionately known as "Backstairs Billy" for his final role as Steward and Page of the Backstairs, fetched $925,900.
The auction lasted more than 10 hours and took nearly double the pre-sale estimates.
Auctioneers Reeman Dansie of Colchester in south-eastern England said bidders had flown in from around the world, particularly Canada and the United States.
Among the treasure trove of 700 items was a note from the Queen Mother, known for enjoying a tipple, instructing Mr Tallon to pack "two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin ... in case it is needed".
Expected to fetch up to $617, it eventually went to a phone bidder for $33,000.
Top-priced item was a portrait of the Queen Mother by Sir James Gunn, dated November 1945, which went for $61,700 - five times its top pre-sale estimate.
Also among the collection were several notes from Princess Diana to Mr Tallon.
One, dated June 28, 1982 after the birth of her first son, Prince William, went for $10,200.
"We are not sure at the moment what has hit us, except a very strong pair of lungs! - Both parents are making little sense, we just seem to spend most of our time gazing at this tiny person!," she wrote.
Mr Tallon joined the royal household in 1951 at the age of 15, becoming a close confidant to its members and a special favourite of the Queen Mother over the following years.
Throughout his royal service he squirreled away every note and gift he was given by the royal family.
Privy to many royal secrets, he steadfastly refused to reveal his inside knowledge.
Mr Tallon retired after the death of the Queen Mother and himself died last November aged 72
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