The first 200 items of an auction of the belongings of the late Princess Juliana have raised 1.6 million euros. The first session of the auction, organised by Sotheby's, was only expected to raise 480,000 euros.
So far all the lots have found a new owner. In all, 10,000 items will go under the hammer this week. There are 1725 lots.
The items have been put up for sale at Sotherby's by the former queen's daugters: Queen Beatrix, Princess Irene, Princess Margriet and Princess Christina. The money raised will be given to four charities.
Princess Juliana died in March 2004 at the age of 94. She came to the Dutch throne in September 1948 and abdicated in favour of her daughter Beatrix on her birthday, 30 April 1980. To mark her mother's birthday, Queen Beatrix declared 30 April a national holiday at her coronation. The event has grown into a popular day of parties and street sales.
(nc/ae)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Email this Bulletin
Printer-friendly version
