Queen Victoria’s Bloomers

Just in case you’re interested, a pair of Queen Victoria’s bloomers are going up for auction next month. The bloomers, along with a nightgown and pairs of silk stockings, including a black pair topped with her monogram, which she wore following the death of Prince Albert, were part of the late Malcolm Forbers’ collection. The silk bloomers are expected to fetch £3,000.The bloomers are kept tactfully in a bathroom cupboard so as not to embarrass Prince Charles when he visits Battersea House in London, which is also being sold.  The house is a listed William and Mary mansion designed by Sir Christopher Wren, with a garden overlooking the Thames opposite Chelsea.The property, which may have been designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was bought and restored by Forbes in 1970 and is on sale separately with Savills for £12m.