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Duchess of Windsor

Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor – sale of jewels results in $50 million gift to the Pasteur Institute

PASTEUR INSTITUTE – a legacy from the Duchess of Windsor’s Jewels. The Pasteur Institute received in 1987 a $50 million legacy from the late Wallis Simpson, who famously wed the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII.

Wallis Simpson’s will shows she made this gift as a gesture of thanks to France for its hospitality during the couple’s exile. The Duchess of Windsor named the Pasteur Institute as a ‘universal legatee’ of her estate, which consisted primarily of her remarkable collection of jewels.

These were sold at auction in Geneva for $50 million US.

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