Queen Victoria's undergarments auctioned

LONDON: Queen Victoria must be turning in her grave knowing that her undergarments have been auctioned, revealing her ample measurements.

A pair of her bloomers, a chemise and a nightdress went under the hammer at Mackworth in Derby for 13,500 pounds ($27,000).

The cotton bloomers are monogrammed with a VR (Victoria Regina) and attracted bids from as far as Brazil, Russia, Hong Kong and New York. They finally went to a lady from Canada for 4,500 pounds, according to auctioneer Charles Hanson.

A London collector snapped up Queen Victoria's chemise for 3,800 pounds. Her nightdress sold for 5,200 pounds to an American collector.

Hanson told The Guardian: "The atmosphere was electric and I am delighted that Victoria has been given a good send-off."

The sizes of the garments gave an indication of her majesty's measurements. For instance, her bloomers, dating back to the 1880s, measure 50 inches at the waist. The chemise has a 66-inch bust. The nightdress is only 50 inches long, suggesting she was as short as she was stout.

Queen Victoria's underwear had been kept by one of her ladies-in-waiting and was sold by a family from Lincolnshire, who are said to be "delighted" with the outcome.