I don't know if it was financial need that necessitated it so much as just making some money by getting rid of old items.
I think it was Princess Caroline's husband behind it but perhaps someone knows more. I don't think that all the family was in agreement. There was tons of family memorabilia auctioned off (great group photos from the Danish gatherings, portraits, family photos, uniforms, personal items and object d'arts) as well as the usual silver, china, furniture,etc...The auction just took place last month through Sotheby's. Leading up to the sale, visitors could go through Schloss Marienburg (which GV bought for Queen Marie)to view items. It went over 10 days and had 4000 lots (some with multiple items) and, while I can't remember the exact total, made a lot of money.
There were a lot of family portraits sold from the early Hannovers (pre-Queen Victoria) all the way up through Victoria Louise--a very cute portrait of her as a small girl was sold.
