A CAST of Princess Diana’s hand is expected to fetch up to £40,000 when it goes under the hammer in Colchester.

The extremely rare plaster cast, believed to be the only one in existence, will be up for grabs next week at auctioneers Reeman Dansie.

It comes during a special sale dedicated to royalty which will also see the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first driving licence go on sale next Tuesday.

A crocodile leather handbag formerly owned by the Princess of Wales along with a hand written letter is predicted to reach at least £3,000.

Echo: Auction - a handbag formerly owned by Princess DianaAuction - a handbag formerly owned by Princess Diana (Image: Reeman Dansie)

A cast of iconic Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s right hand is also set to go under the hammer during the sale and could fetch up to £7,000.

And a whole host of letters signed by Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and others will be available to bid on.

Auctioneer James Grinter revealed there is even a pair of the late Queen’s underwear stored away at the site in Severalls industrial estate ready to be sold.

Echo: Auctioneer - James GrinterAuctioneer - James Grinter (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I always feel slightly apprehensive before a big sale, especially when we have particularly rare items such as these plaster casts as they are really rare.

“Diana’s one is very special, hence why it has quite a punchy estimate but how do you estimate something so unique?

“There is a delicacy about it which you can only understand when you see it in the flesh, it has something magical.

Echo: Records - Queen Elizabeth II's first driving licence is to go under the hammerRecords - Queen Elizabeth II's first driving licence is to go under the hammer (Image: Newsquest)

“She helped them to produce it when she was alive and so there is nothing morbid about it.”

Other lots in the sale include a signed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and pictures of her learning to drive and helping to repair cars.

A rare 1950s pink satin petticoat tailor made for Her Majesty could also see bidding reach £1,500.

Echo: Clothing - the petticoat made for Queen Elizabeth IIClothing - the petticoat made for Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Reeman Dansie)

“People have been more drawn to royal things having seen so much pageantry and being so moved following the Queen’s death,” added Mr Grinter.

“Some of these items are extremely rare to come onto the market and should make for an interesting sale.”