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Royal diamond jewels belonging to Edward VIII and his American wife Wallis Simpson have gone up for auction today (November 30th).

Celia Walden, writing for the Daily Telegraph, noted that the couple, whose illicit courtship "rocked the constitution", amassed what is now the most valuable single-owner jewellery collection ever to go under the hammer.

One item on display is the diamond panther bracelet, which was reportedly tried on by Madonna and is expected to raise £1.5 million in the bidding war, which will take place at Sotheby's auction house on New Bond Street in London.

This month, the pop star was seen inspecting items in the Windsor Collection and she is said to be directing a film about Edward's abdication and relationship with Simpson.

Other gem-encrusted accessories include a small hinged purse that is estimated to sell for £20,000, a flamingo hair clip studded with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and citrine, as well as a row of spectacle-set precious stones supporting a bejewelled Latin cross engraved with inscriptions – an item Simpson wore on her wedding day.

Madonna has her sights set on a diamond bracelet and jewels formerly belonging to the Windsor family.

Madonna has her eye on a diamond bracelet with a regal history.

According to the Daily Mail, the pop star was seen trying on items displayed at a private viewing of the Windsor collection at Sotheby's.

One exhibit the celebrity is rumoured to have taken a fancy to is an onyx and diamond panther bracelet, which is being showcased alongside jewels gifted by Edward VIII to his American wife Wallis Simpson in the 1930s.

Madonna is said to be directing a film about Edward's abdication and has had his famous jewels replicated for the movie.

In a New York auction of Bernard Madoff's possessions last week, the former financier's wife's 10.5-carat engagement ring was sold to a mystery bidder for $550,000 (£344,000) – the item changed hands alongside such valuables as a Steinway and Sons grand piano, various items of clothing and a pair of velveteen slippers.