Queen Elizabeth's Historic Jubilee Treasures Head to Auction for Cancer Charity
In a poignant philanthropic gesture, ceremonial artefacts intimately connected to the late Queen Elizabeth II's landmark jubilee celebrations are set to be auctioned, with every penny raised dedicated to supporting cancer patients across the United Kingdom. Six historically significant items, many originally conceived by the monarch's long-serving pageant master, Bruno Peek, will go under the hammer in a virtual auction hosted by Bonhams this March, with all proceeds benefiting Cancer Research UK.
A Collection Steeped in Royal History
The auction collection represents a tangible timeline of Elizabeth II's reign. The standout piece is the Diamond Jubilee "diamond," a symbolic centrepiece that was prominently displayed at the Tower of London before being used by the Queen herself during the 2012 celebrations. The collection also features the iconic millennium torch, lit to herald the dawn of the year 2000, and the 90th birthday torch, used in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2016.
Completing this remarkable array are a torch from the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and the Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Nations Globe, which served as a focal point during the 2022 festivities at Windsor Castle. Each item is estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000, potentially raising a substantial sum for vital cancer research.
The Visionary Behind the Pageantry: Bruno Peek
The man behind these historic artefacts, Bruno Peek, served as Queen Elizabeth's pageant master for an incredible four decades. Hailing from Gorleston in Norfolk, Peek masterminded the worldwide beacon tributes for her golden, diamond, and platinum jubilees, as well as commemorations for the anniversary of VE Day. His dedication was recognised with numerous honours, including an OBE in 2000 and appointments to the Royal Victorian Order.
Reflecting on his unique role, the 74-year-old shared heartfelt memories of the late monarch. "The Queen and the royal family showed me such kindness over the years," Peek said. "They were very encouraging and courteous. I felt privileged and honoured – and comfortable – in the Queen's company."
Personal Memories and a Philanthropic Mission
Peek recounted a charming, informal moment during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace. When technical equipment faltered during the beacon lighting, he whispered to the Queen, "do you mind giving it a little push ma'am?" Her response was characteristically gracious: "I don't mind at all" – and she gave it a firm shove, to the delight of the vast crowd gathered on The Mall.
His final encounter with the Queen was in June 2022 at the Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting. "We all understood the Queen wasn't well and we weren't expecting her to make it," he recalled. "But being the great Queen she was, she surprised us all and came. The last thing she ever said to me, after lighting the beacon, was 'Thank you Bruno'. It was a lovely moment which I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Peek's decision to auction the items is deeply personal. "I own these items but I could never have sold them for personal gain," he explained. "Given that the King and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have both had cancer treatment, I felt it was appropriate to use them to raise money for Cancer Research UK."
From Humble Beginnings to Royal Service
Bruno Peek's journey to the heart of royal pageantry is a remarkable story in itself. Born to Polish immigrants, he and his twin brother George were abandoned at just 14 months old. They were raised in a children's home before being adopted at age four. Before discovering his calling, Peek worked in a bakery, a butcher's shop, made prams, and laboured on building sites, later training as a welder.
His path changed over forty years ago when he helped organise the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston carnival. Realising a passion for historic celebrations, he later approached the palace with ideas that were warmly accepted, beginning a four-decade partnership that created some of the most memorable moments of the late Queen's reign.
This upcoming auction not only offers collectors a chance to own a piece of British history but also transforms these royal artefacts into powerful tools for funding cancer research, creating a lasting legacy that honours both the late Queen and those battling illness today.
