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The items belonged to Wallis Simpson, whose affair with King Edward VIII led to him stepping down from the throne.

Diamond jewellery once owned by a woman who had an affair with King Edward VIII has gone on display in London.

The items, which belonged to Wallis Simpson, are on show ahead of an auction being held by Sotheby's in November.

Valued at £3 million, the 20-piece collection includes a panther bracelet made from onyx and diamonds, as well as a flamingo-shaped clip containing diamonds and other precious stones.

Both are expected to sell for £1.5 million each and many articles in the collection are inscribed with personal messages between the couple, which shocked the nation in 1936 when the king gave up the throne to marry Ms Simpson.

Chairman of Sotheby's jewellery in Europe and the Middle East David Bennett said the inscriptions on the items "tell the story of perhaps the greatest love story of the 20th century".

Earlier this month, the Queen wore diamond jewellery originally made for Queen Victoria for a new painting commissioned by cruise ship company Cunard.

The Queen put on diamond jewellery she wore at her Coronation for a new painting commissioned by cruise ship company Cunard.

She posed for painter Isobel Peachey in the diamond necklace and earrings that were originally made for Queen Victoria.

The portrait is to go in display in Cunard's Queen Elizabeth liner and shows her sitting in the yellow drawing room at Buckingham Palace, with the diamonds accessorising her blue dress.

Ms Peachey, 31, is believed to be the youngest artist ever to paint the Queen and the finished article has drawn praise from president and managing director of Cunard Peter Shanks, who described it as "a truly wonderful picture".

It was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery and Ms Peachey revealed she was unaware she would be painting the Queen until she came to the end of her interview with Cunard, which had called her in to discuss the commission.

Her Majesty is due to formally name the company's new cruise liner in a ceremony on October 11th.