GIFTS from the crowned heads of Europe to a Kidderminster man who rose through the ranks at Buckingham Palace to become one of the first royal bodyguards go under the hammer next week.

Crackshot Harry Payne was born in Kidderminster on March 11, 1875 and left the town to join the royal household as a footman.

He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1896, was promoted to sergeant and later seconded to royal protection duties.

He also served as a lance corporal in the 1st Volunteer Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and in 1897 was awarded a tankard, also up for auction, when he won the title of company marksman at the age of 22.

When Edward VII acquired a new Daimler in 1905, Sgt Payne became his chauffeur and continued as chauffeur to Queen Alexandra until 1925 after the king's death 15 years earlier. Sgt Payne died in 1960.

A Scotland Yard archivist said: "He was promoted to station sergeant, a bit like Dixon of Dock Green.

"He was 46 when he retired after 25 years service and drew a pension of £194 a year.

"He was known as a crackshot and this probably explains why he was seconded to security duties with the King."

Mementos which will come under the hammer at Christie's in London on Wednesday, include a gold watch presented to Sgt Payne by Empress Marie of Russia; a signed photograph in a silver frame from Princess Victoria with her dog, Mac; a leather dressing case fitted out as a first aid kit; medals - including one from King Christian of Denmark - and a St Christopher medallion which King Edward VII insisted be displayed in the car whenever he used it.

A silver-plated car mascot of the King's dog, Caesar, begging for a bone, is also in the lot.

A spokesman for Christie's said the memorabilia had been put up for sale by members of Sgt Payne's family who now live abroad.

The lot is expected to fetch between £5,000 and £7,000.