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The Memories of Her Majesty at Christmas Collection
Christmas has always been a time for reflection, family, and cherished traditions. For Queen Elizabeth II, it was no different. Her life, entwined with this festive season, was marked by poignant moments that captured the essence of her reign and personal warmth. This year, as we celebrate her memory, we invite you to journey through these moments with our exclusive commemorative collection that captures five special Christmas memories from Her Majesty’s life.
A Young Princess Singing Carols with Her Sister
Long before her ascension to the throne, the young Princess Elizabeth shared precious Christmas moments with her sister, Princess Margaret. The image of the two young royals singing carols together evokes the innocence and joy of childhood during the festive season. This commemorative celebrates the timeless tradition of Christmas carols and the joyful spirit of youth.
The Queen’s Speech
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II delivered her very first Christmas speech over the radio. A solemn yet hopeful message, she marked the beginning of what would become a beloved tradition for generations. This commemorative celebrates that historic moment, reminding us of her unwavering dedication and connection with the nation, even at such an early stage in her reign.
Family at Windsor Castle
The late 1960s saw the Queen spending Christmas with her family at Windsor Castle. These were times of warmth, laughter, and the simple pleasures of togetherness. Our commemorative captures the joy of these festive family gatherings, symbolising the importance of unity and the deep family bonds the Queen cherished.
Visiting the Church of St Mary Magdalene
One of the Queen’s most cherished Christmas traditions was attending the service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate. Surrounded by family and well-wishers, these visits became a hallmark of her reign during the festive season. This commemorative captures these precious moments from the 1990s, symbolising her devotion and the enduring connection she shared with the community.
Riding in the Snow at Sandringham
An avid equestrian, Queen Elizabeth II often embraced the wintry landscapes of Sandringham. The image of her riding through the snow exemplifies her love for nature and tradition. This commemorative pays tribute to her resilient, adventurous spirit and her love for horses, showing a side of the Queen that many have admired over the years.
A Collection to Treasure This Christmas
As we remember these cherished moments, we invite you to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy with this exclusive collection. Each piece tells a story of Christmases past, capturing the spirit of Her Majesty’s life and reign during this special time of year.
This Christmas, let her memory warm your hearts and inspire you to cherish your own festive moments with loved ones. Visit our website today to explore the collection and keep the Queen’s spirit alive in your home this holiday season.
Honouring a Remarkable Reign: The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Tribute Commemorative
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign is more than just history—it is a series of moments that have shaped the lives of millions and defined an era. Her journey, from a young princess during World War II to becoming the longest-serving monarch in British history, is etched into the hearts of people across the globe. Now, you have the chance to remember and honour those unforgettable moments through the Memories of Her Majesty Collection.
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Tribute Commemorative
The first commemorative in this collection, the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Tribute, is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s enduring legacy and is available to you completely free as a starting piece. Featuring detailed artwork of Queen Elizabeth II, this commemorative honours her grace, elegance, and the profound impact she had on the world. Struck with immaculate precision and finished with luxurious 24-carat gold plating, it is a cherished keepsake designed to preserve her memory for generations to come.
Moments That Defined Her Majesty’s Life
The Memories of Her Majesty Collection brings together a series of commemoratives that each highlight a memorable event from Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life. These commemoratives have been immaculately crafted with 24-carat gold plating and adorned with specially commissioned artwork. Here are just a few examples of the moments you will be able to celebrate and reflect upon:
1945 – Serving Her Country
As World War II neared its end, Princess Elizabeth defied expectations by joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), becoming the first female member of the royal family to serve in the armed forces. At just 18 years old, she trained as a driver and mechanic, showcasing her dedication to duty and service—qualities that would define her reign.
1948 – Birth of Her First Child, Charles
In 1948, Princess Elizabeth welcomed her first child, Charles, into the world. This moment was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of the next generation of the royal family. Born on 14 November 1948, Charles would go on to play an important role throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, eventually succeeding her as King Charles III. This personal milestone for the young princess was shared with the nation that celebrated the birth of a future monarch.
1953 – Her Majesty’s Coronation
In a moment of grandeur, the young Elizabeth was crowned Queen in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. This iconic event, which was the first coronation ever televised, allowed millions to witness the solemn and deeply symbolic ceremony. It marked the beginning of her historic reign and the new Elizabethan age.
1977 – The Silver Jubilee
Celebrating 25 years as Queen, Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 was a nationwide celebration filled with parades, street parties, and festivities. The world watched as she reaffirmed her commitment to the nation, capturing the essence of loyalty, dedication, and continuity.
2003 – A Shared Laugh
Even in her later years, Queen Elizabeth II had moments that revealed her playful side. During an event in 2003, the Queen was caught giggling as Prince Philip stood in his Grenadier Guards uniform. It was a rare and intimate moment, demonstrating her deep affection for her husband and her ability to find joy in everyday moments.
2022 – The Platinum Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee was a historic occasion, marking 70 years on the throne—a milestone unmatched by any other British monarch. As the country celebrated her reign, the Queen’s legacy of resilience, grace, and leadership was recognised and admired across the globe.
Begin Your Journey
This unique collection is a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a monarch who touched millions of lives. By starting with your free Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Tribute Commemorative, you can be part of something truly special.
As you continue collecting, each commemorative will take you on a journey through the iconic moments that defined Queen Elizabeth II’s reign—a reign unlike any other in British history.
Honour the Queen’s legacy with this beautiful tribute collection!
Royal Seal of Approval: What is a Great Seal?
What are the Great Seals of the Realm?
Since the reign of Edward the Confessor in the eleventh century, the Great Seals of the Realm have been used in Britain to symbolise the official will and authority of the monarch.
Referred to as the ‘clavis regni,’ or ‘key of government,’ they are such critical tools of state that historically, counterfeiting them was deemed high treason, punishable by death.
Their role has remained virtually unchanged for the past 1,000 years – still used in the twenty-first century as they were in the eleventh. All important state documents have to include a seal as the physical mark of royal ratification.
Every monarch has had their own unique seal – with some even having multiple if they ruled for many years. This is because of the composition of a Great Seal.
And The Royal Mint have brought this historic tradition to life with a brand-new recreation of Henry VIII’s seal. You can secure it now in Proof or Silver quality by clicking here, or read on to learn more…
How a Great Seal is Made
Consisting of a pair of silver moulds, or matrices, into which the monarch’s design has been engraved. Cakes of softened wax or more recently of a plastic compound are placed alongside a set of ribbon or cord in between the matrices and when pressure is applied, an impression of the design is made on both sides. The Great Seal can then be attached to the important state document using the loose end of the ribbons or cord. You can see this in the image below.
Warwickshire County Record Office reference CR341/2
So, from this process you can imagine that during a long reign the silver matrices would become worn until they could no longer be used. Only one Great Seal is to be in use at a time, therefore the old one is ceremonially defaced and presented by the monarch to the Lord Chancellor.
Interesting Fact
During the 63-year reign of Queen Victoria, four Great Seals were created.
What was the Lord Chancellor’s role?
Traditionally, the Lord Chancellor has been the custodian of the Great Seal. This is because the office originated as secretary to the Monarch, responsible for supervising, preparing and dispatching the Monarchs letters. This meant that they had the use of the Sovereign’s seal, which soon became the symbol of the office.
Each Great Seal is kept in a richly decorated purse, and it was customary to present a new purse each year.
Interesting Fact
Lord Eldon, during the early nineteenth century, received so many of the elaborately decorated purses that his wife was able to turn them into bed hangings.
How the Great Seal has adapted to modern times
Due to the expansion of the UK government’s dealings over time, the amount of wax used to make the Great Seals each month reached a peak of 50 kilogrammes. This resulted in The Crown Office Act of 1887. The act declared that many of the documents once passed under the seal would now be ratified with a new device called the Wafer Seal.
This device has the obverse design of the Great Seal and makes an impression on paper, which can be on the document itself or on a separate wafer. The traditional version of the Great Seal made of wax or plastic compound is now reserved for documents deemed to be of the utmost importance such as treaties with foreign governments.
Interesting Fact
Queen Elizabeth II had two seals during her reign – the first came into service in 1953 and lasted all the way to 2001, when the new seal was produced.
Royal Mint Release
The Great Seals fascinating history is incredibly tied with our monarchy and democracy – a true representation of our constitutional monarchy.
The brand-new Royal Mint release is a stunning embodiment of this century old tradition.
Remastered from specimens held in The Royal Mint Museum’s collection, you have the opportunity to own a high-quality recreation of Henry VIII’s Great Seal. One of the most notorious monarchs in British history.
The official Royal Mint packaging ties in perfectly, with the ‘cords’ featured that are involved in the production and attaching of the Great Seal to the state document – as well as exploring Henry VIII’s unique royal seal and its historical significance.
Click here to explore the range today >>
