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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!
My Unforgettable Day with the Red Arrows
Written by Jonathan Patterson.
I’ve always been captivated by the Red Arrows, and the chance to see them up close at RAF Waddington was a dream come true.
Our day began in the early morning as we arrived at the base, passing through tight security checks with a sense of mounting excitement. We eagerly awaited our Red Arrows escort, who would take us to the heart of their operations.
As soon as we stepped off the Red Arrows mini-bus, the deafening roar of jet engines filled the air. We hurried to the viewing point only metres away from the runway, as the Red Arrows formed up and took off in a stunning, orchestrated formation.
For the next 20-30 minutes, the Red Arrows captivated us with their brand-new display for their 60th Diamond Season. Their daring barrel rolls, incredibly close manoeuvres, and crowd favourites like the Tornado left us in awe. The nine Hawk Jets flew overhead in an awe-inspiring sight, the thunderous noise was incredible. Starting with Red 1, each jet gracefully peeled away to land, marking the end of an unforgettable performance.
In need of a moment to absorb the experience, we decided to grab a cup of coffee. Within five minutes, a group of officers entered, with distinct marks around their ears from wearing some sort of helmets. It was then that I realised these were the Red Arrows pilots themselves, casually grabbing their coffees in their Red Arrows mugs. I was in complete awe of these men, who moments ago were hurtling through the clouds at over 500 mph.
Our RAF contact informed us that we only had a few minutes before debrief with the pilots. Led by Red One, Jon Bond, the meeting was a fascinating insight into their meticulous process. Each pilot critiqued their performance, highlighting areas for improvement and discussing how to perfect their manoeuvres for the next sortie that day. I was amazed to learn that the Red Arrows conduct these sorties and debriefs three times a day, every day, to ensure their displays are flawless and maintain their public display authority.
Next, we had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Red 10, Graeme Muscat. He shared insights about the Red Arrows, their intense manoeuvres, their strong focus on teamwork, and how they are a beacon for Great Britain, flying the red, white, and blue all over the world.
We were incredibly excited to show Graeme the brand-new 50p coins specially made to celebrate the 60th Diamond Season of the Red Arrows. His elation was clear as he smiled and said, “I think it’s amazing… I can keep that one, right?”
Our day with the Red Arrows was nothing short of extraordinary. From witnessing their breath-taking display to meeting the pilots and learning about their dedication, it was an experience that left us deeply inspired. The Red Arrows continue to be a symbol of excellence, teamwork, and pride for Great Britain.
To commemorate this special occasion, a brand-new coin range has been released to celebrate 60 years of the Red Arrows.
>>> Click here to explore the complete Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Diamond Season coin range <<<
The Evolution of UK Banknotes: From Paper to Precision
The history of banknotes in the United Kingdom is a fascinating journey of innovation, security, and tradition. From the earliest issues to the forthcoming King Charles III banknotes, each phase reflects the technological and cultural shifts of its time.
A Brief History of UK Banknotes
The Bank of England began issuing banknotes shortly after its establishment in 1694. Initially, these notes were handwritten, a far cry from the highly sophisticated currency we use today. By the mid-18th century, partially printed notes were introduced, with the denomination and other details filled in by hand.
Source: Bank of England website
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/online-collections/blog/our-earliest-bank-of-england-note
The 19th century brought significant changes with fully printed notes and the introduction of standardized designs to prevent forgery. A pivotal moment in the history of UK banknotes came in 1960 when Queen Elizabeth II became the first monarch to be featured on the Bank of England notes. Her portrait on the £1 note marked the beginning of a tradition of depicting reigning monarchs on the nation’s currency, providing a sense of continuity and national identity.
Security Features: From Simplicity to Sophistication
As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of banknote security features. Early notes relied heavily on the quality of the paper and intricate designs to deter counterfeiters. However, as counterfeiting techniques improved, so too did the security measures.
Modern UK banknotes are a marvel of technology and design. Click on the dots below to explore the key security features:
Introducing the King Charles III Banknotes
In a historic move, the Bank of England is set to release the new King Charles III banknotes on June 5th, 2024. This marks the first time in over 70 years that a new monarch’s portrait will grace the currency, following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King Charles III banknotes will continue to feature the same high-security features of their predecessors and the new banknotes will initially be available in £5, £10, £20, and £50 denominations. They will circulate alongside the existing Queen Elizabeth II notes, gradually phasing out the older series as they wear out.
Introducing the DateStamp™ Set: Connecting the Past and Present
To commemorate this historic transition, we are excited to introduce an exclusive DateStamp™ set that brings together the past and the present of UK currency. This unique collection features the Queen Elizabeth II £5 and £10 banknotes alongside the brand new King Charles III £5 and £10 banknotes, each postmarked on the official issue date, 5th June, 2024.
You can now be one of just 2,024 collectors to own this special set.
Click here now to pre-order yours before the official release >>