1167 - Burberry trench coat that belonged to King Leopold III. From the estate of a police officer who served King Leopold III and Princess Lilian. Bespoke Burberry trench coat in beige cotton, double-breasted with two rows of four buttons. Tartan-patterned lining with blue lines. Includes a Burberry label, with a Burberry London tailor’s label underneath bearing non-nominative customer references. Total length: 130 cm; sleeve length: 68 cm; shoulder width: approximately 45 cm; chest circumference: approximately 130 cm. In excellent condition, worn very little, with a few minor stains, particularly from friction caused by the leather buckles. According to the family’s account, this garment, which belonged to King Leopold III, was given to its former owner by Princess Lilian as a token of gratitude for services rendered and as a testament to the bond of friendship that united them. The gendarme, the former owner of this item, had entered the service of the royal couple at the Château d’Argenteuil, where he was responsible for guarding the estate and ensuring the personal safety of its occupants, particularly that of Princess Lilian. A relationship of trust, mutual respect, and almost friendship had gradually developed between them. It was in this context that the princess is said to have given him several mementos of her late husband. After Princess Lilian’s death in 2002, the gendarme ended his career at the Royal Palace. Burberry trench coat belonging to King Leopold III of Belgium. From the estate of a Belgian gendarme who served King Leopold III and Princess Lilian. Bespoke Burberry trench coat in beige cotton, with a double-breasted front featuring two rows of four buttons. Tartan lining with blue stripes. Burberry label with an additional Burberry London tailor’s label underneath, bearing non-nominative customer references. Overall length: 130 cm; sleeve length: 68 cm; shoulder width: approximately 45 cm; chest circumference: approximately 130 cm. In very good overall condition, showing very little wear, with a few minor stains, primarily caused by friction from the leather buckles. According to the family’s provenance, this garment, formerly belonging to King Leopold III, was presented to its previous owner by Princess Lilian in gratitude for his service and as a token of their affection for one another. The gendarme, the former owner of this item, had entered the service of the royal couple at Château d’Argenteuil, where he was responsible for the security of the estate and the personal protection of its occupants, particularly Princess Lilian. Over time, a relationship of trust, mutual respect, and almost friendship developed between them. It was in this context that the princess reportedly presented him with several mementos of her late husband. Following Princess Lilian’s death in 2002, the gendarme completed his career at the Royal Palace.