Queen Victoria’s nightgown with possible Honiton Lace is expected to fetch thousands at auction

Queen Victoria's nightie and her daughter's bloomers have been discovered during a house clear-out and they are expected to fetch thousands of pounds when they sold at auction.

The items were discovered during a clear-out at a home on the Isle of Wright.

The lace night garment, which could be edged with Honiton Lace, was worn by Britain's longest serving monarch after the death of her spouse, Prince Albert. It was likely that the item was given to a servant at Osborne House, which was Queen Victoria's holiday home in the 1800s.

The clothes were collected over a lifetime by retired antiques shop owner Marilyn Rose (90) who opened her first store in Gurnard, Isle of Wright, during the 70s.

Marilyn's family were in the process of helping her more to a new house when they came across the items. 

On October 1 they will be sold at auction at Hanson's Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbys.

The nightie could well be edged with Honiton lace. It is pale cream, and it is embroidered with the letters VR - standing for Victoria Regina. It is expected to sell for between £1,500-£2,000.

The bloomers belong to Beatrice, the youngest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They bear a crown and are embroidered with the initials BB for Beatrice of Battenburg.

Marilyn's son, Tim Rose (64) said: "My mother is moving and we have been clearing the period property.

"The bloomers and nightie were among several fascinating finds, some of which are new to us.

"Mum can't remember exactly how or when she came to own the bloomers and nightdress but it's not surprising items relating to Queen Victoria and her family emerge on the Isle of Wight because the queen spent a huge amount of time at Osborne House, her holiday home there.

"There is another royal connection as the house being cleared, which dates back to the 1700s, was once home to Sir William Carter Hoffmeister (1857-1944), Queen Victoria's physician on the Isle of Wight.

"As well as the nightie and bloomers, a folder of letters have been found connected to the royal household.

"We also discovered a 19th century toy box which belonged to Princess Beatrice."

The sale also will also include a piece of lace bearing a note which reads, 'Portion of the Pall that covered Queen Victoria's coffin on her last journey from Osborne. Isle of Wight. Feb 1st 1901'

Notty Hornblower is the owner of Hope House Costume Museum in Alstonefield, Derbys. She described the discoveries as "significant royal finds"

"It is always exciting to uncover items which belonged to Queen Victoria, one of Britain's most influential monarchs."

Queen Victoria died at Osborne House on January 22, 1901, aged 81.

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