Windsor Auction Total Tops $23 Million

The gavel came down on Lot 3311 of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor auction Friday, marking the end of a marathon sale that took in more than $23 million for charities.

Sotheby’s, which received the consignment from businessman Mohammed Fayed, whose son, Dodi Fayed, died in a car crash with Princess Diana in August, had estimated the items from the duke and duchess’ Paris home would take in between $5 million and $7 million.

The final total after 18 sessions over nine days was $23,355,838, earmarked for charities supported by Dodi Fayed and Diana. The auction was originally scheduled for September but was postponed after the couple’s deaths.

The auction opened with a 60-year-old piece of the couple’s wedding cake that sold for just under $30,000.