Antiques Roadshow guest says 'that's a lot of money' as item's value leaves crowd gasping

An Antiques Roadshow guest said "that's a lot of money" as his item's value left the crowd gasping on Sunday (June 1).

The latest edition of the hit BBC programme took place at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, where local residents arrived to have their antiques and fine arts appraised by experts.

During the episode, expert Hilary Kay was presented with an "extraordinary" collection of Queen Victoria's personal items.

"When you see a VR cypher, the initials under a crown on anything, you know that you have something exciting. You have a piece of royal clothing," Hilary began.

The guest explained that he had acquired the collection from his great-aunt, who was a lady's maid to a wealthy family.

"In the late 1930s and 1940s, she was lady's maid to a Lady Inglefield, who was the wife of Edward Fitzmaurice Inglefield, who came from a long line of naval people," he explained.

"We found a sketch done by Princess Louise of one of the Inglefield admirals," the guest added, with Hilary quickly noting: "Princess Louise being one of Queen Victoria's daughters."

The man went on to say: "So, somewhere there's a link... I'm miles off it."

Hilary said that it was "interesting" that there are a lot of undergarments from Queen Victoria in circulation.

"I've spoken to the Historic Royal Palaces about this, and the thought is actually that she asked her staff to give these away, not because they were worn out, but because actually they were in reasonable condition," she added.

"They were really beautiful fabric, and she hoped that they might be able to make something of them. But I think because of the personal nature of these, I think people did keep them as souvenirs, as a direct link to something very personal to the Queen."

Hilary then looked in detail at the collection, which included a pair of black stockings, a chemise, a nightdress and a pair of Queen Victoria's split drawers.

On the value of the items, the expert then said: "I know that the market is strong and I would certainly say something above £15,000," which earned a collective gasp from the gathered crowd.

"Right, that's a lot of money. Worth hanging on to, then. Very good," the stunned guest replied.

Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer