Rs 2 lakh for a slice of cake that you can't eat: Know all about the royal wedding treat auction

Despite its age and fragility, the slice has maintained its original detail, adorned with decorative icing that harks back to the couple’s historic union. Photo: www.reemandansie.com

In a surprising auction that left royal enthusiasts buzzing, a slice from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's 1947 wedding cake sold for an impressive Rs 2 lakh (approximately 2,200 USD). This isn’t just any cake – it’s a piece of British royal history that has now found a new home among collectors of rare memorabilia.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wave at their wedding, on November 20, 1947, in London. Photo: AFP

The nearly 77-year-old slice, carefully preserved since the royal wedding, was auctioned by Keys Auctioneers and Valuers in the United Kingdom. Despite its age and fragility, the slice has maintained its original detail, adorned with decorative icing that harks back to the couple’s historic union. The four-tiered wedding cake was an elaborate affair, standing nine feet tall and reportedly weighing around 500 pounds. Known affectionately as the "10,000 Mile Cake," it was crafted using ingredients gifted from the Australian Girl Guides and South African Girl Guides as a gesture of goodwill to the royal couple.

While it’s a tempting piece for admirers of the British monarchy, the cake slice isn’t exactly edible. The age and preservation techniques mean it has long surpassed the point of safe consumption. Instead, it’s a prized relic for royal memorabilia collectors who place value in its historical significance rather than its culinary quality.

Britain's queen Elizabeth and prince Philip during the State Opening of Parliament in central London. File photo: Reuters

The sale of royal wedding cake slices has become a recurring phenomenon. Over the years, slices from Queen Elizabeth’s, Princess Diana’s, and even Prince William’s weddings have fetched high prices at auctions, reflecting an enduring fascination with British royal ceremonies.

This slice, carefully encased in its original presentation box, also came with a royal cipher, amplifying its appeal to collectors. As the fascination with British royal history endures, this auction highlighted not just the sentimental value but also the unique cultural artefacts that continue to captivate people worldwide. For the lucky bidder, it’s not merely a slice of cake but a slice of history – one that’s unlikely to be served on a plate anytime soon.

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