Posts Tagged ‘british isles 50p’
How Elizabeth II became our Queen overnight: 8 facts you may not know about Her Majesty
Today marks Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years on the throne. Ruling for longer than any other British Monarch, Her Majesty becomes the first ever Sovereign to reach this incredible milestone.
She has become a constant and reassuring figure for the UK and Commonwealth, and her devotion to the throne is something we can all commend.
On the 6th February 1952, the Queen’s father, King George VI, sadly passed away. He became King unexpectedly in December 1936, after his brother’s abdication.
He served 16 years on the throne before his weakening health and failure to recover from a lung operation saw his passing at the age of 56.
At the time of his death, the Queen was in Kenya on a tour of the Commonwealth. Her trip was cut short and she returned to Britain with husband, Philip. Overnight, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, aged 25, became the first Sovereign in more than 200 years to accede to the throne whilst abroad. Since then, Her Majesty has ruled for an inspirational 70 years.
In recognition of this poignant anniversary year, I have gathered some fascinating facts about Her Majesty which I am excited to share with you.
Continue reading to discover more…
1. Her Majesty has the final say over new bills made in the Act of Parliament.
By royal assent, the Queen formally agrees to make a bill into an Act of Parliament once it has completed all the necessary parliamentary stages. Since her accession in 1952, over 3000 Acts of Parliament have been given Royal assent by the Queen.
2. Queen Elizabeth II owns the rarest Pink Diamond in the world.
Given to her as a wedding present in the 1950’s, the Williamson Pink Diamond weighs a mighty 54.50 Carats. The diamond was set into a flower brooch by Cartier jewellers and was completed the same year that Her Majesty became Queen.
3. Doesn’t need a passport or driving licence.
All driving licences and passports in the UK are issued in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, meaning that she doesn’t actually need either one herself. When she worked within the Auxiliary Territorial Service in World War Two, the Queen learnt to drive but never needed to take a test legally!
4. The Queen cannot be prosecuted!
The Queen, as the Sovereign, is free from all and any legal proceedings taken against her. Having said this, Her Majesty still follows the law carefully.
5. The Queen always pours her tea before her milk
It is known that the Queen has a cup of tea every morning before her breakfast. But did you know that it’s believed she pours her boiling hot water into the cup before her milk?
Historically, it was believed that only teacups made from fine bone China could sustain the heat of boiling water without cracking. For teacups made from arguably cheaper material, it was recommended that you pour milk in first, to reduce the temperature.
Therefore, the type of teacup you owned, would determine the method in which you made your cup of tea!
Do you pour the brewed water or milk first? Let us know in the comments!
6. Her Majesty is believed to have owned over 30 Corgi dogs!
Over the years, The Queen is believed to have owned over 30 dogs of the Corgi breed. Her first puppy, Susan, was considered to have kick-started Her Majesty’s love for dogs.
As of today, she remains the patron of the Dogs Trust Dog Welfare organisation!
7. The Queen has visited over 265 overseas territories during her reign!
Although Queen Victoria ruled over 70 territories, she never left Europe! In contrast, Queen Elizabeth II owns the title of the most-well travelled monarch in history.
Having travelled to over 265 official overseas territories during her reign, it’s fair to describe Her Majesty as a bit of a jetsetter!
8. The Queen ‘owns’ a Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) and a McDonalds?
In 2015, the Banbury Gateway Shopping Park opened, built on a piece of land belonging to the Crown Estate.
For the duration of the reigning monarch, ownership of the Crown Estate falls to them, meaning Queen Elizabeth II technically owns all that is built on the land. Which means the M&S and McDonalds, amongst other buildings in the park, is technically owned by her.
Have you learnt anything new today? I certainly have!
From a young girl who didn’t expect to become Queen, Her Majesty’s 70-year reign is very impressive, and she is an awe-inspiring figure across the world.
If you’re interested…
To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, we are giving three lucky collectors the chance to win one of the BRAND NEW British Isles Platinum Jubilee BU 50p Sets.
Watch the video below to find out how to enter!
Fall down the rabbit hole and discover the BRAND NEW Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 50ps…
Recently, we announced an exciting brand new collection of 50p coins celebrating Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Unsurprisingly, since their release, the coins have seen unprecedented demand as collectors and beloved fans alike race to get theirs.
The coins were released to celebrate over 150 years since author, Lewis Carroll first narrated his nonsense fairytale about a girl called Alice. Since then, the story has been adapted in many forms, from book to theatre to ballet and even a blockbuster Disney film. The story is undeniably one of the best-known and most popular works of English-language fiction. A first edition of the book once sold at auction for over $2 million, confirming Alice commemoratives would be highly sought-after.
The 50p has firmly established itself as the collector’s favourite coin, so it was only right the beloved characters from the fairytale feature on them. Authorised for release by Isle of Man Treasury and fully approved by Her Majesty the Queen, these coins could undoubtedly become one of the most popular numismatic releases of 2021!
Find out more about these new coins and how to order them below…
The COMPLETE Brilliant Uncirculated 50p Set
This stunning collection features all five new 50p coins, each struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated quality and featuring carefully curated designs by renowned illustrator Stephen Lee. These include:
- Alice “What a curious feeling! said Alice”
- Cheshire Cat “We’re all mad here”.
- Queen of Hearts “That’s enough! Off with their heads!”.
- The Mad Hatter “I am under no obligation to make sense to you.”
- The White Rabbit “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get”.
What’s more, the coins will come protectively housed in bespoke presentation pack that has also been designed by the coin designer. This set is one of the only ways you can own all FIVE coins and demand has already been extremely high.
If you’d like to secure one for your collection for JUST £31.25 (+p&p) then click here >>
The STRICTLY LIMITED Silver Proof 50p
The Silver Proof version of the stunning Alice 50p coin features a specially commissioned illustration of Alice, drinking the shrinking potion that allows her through the door to the Queens castle. ‘What a curious feeling’ said Alice…
The coin has been struck to a flawless Proof finish from .925 Sterling Silver with selective vivid colour printing to bring the design and Alice to life!
The Silver Proof editions are without a doubt the collector’s favourite and almost always acquire fast sell-outs. With an edition limit of JUST 4,995 coins time is short to secure one for your collection…
Click here to guarantee yours >>
The ULTIMATE Silver Proof 50p Collection
The Silver Proof set is by far one of the most limited and exclusive ways you can own all five new 50ps. With only 1,995 available to collectors worldwide, it is almost certain that they won’t be around for long.
Each coin is struck from .925 Silver, to a Proof finish, with the addition of colour and comes ready to present in case with numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Don’t miss out on yours… Click here >>
The SCARCE Gold Proof 50p – the most prestigious and limited coin within the range
The crème de la crème of the range you could say. If you’re looking for the most premium and limited way to own one of these brand new Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 50p coins, then this is it.
Struck in .916 Gold to a flawless proof finish, this coin is guaranteed to popular with serious collectors. Though especially as this official new release has been given a strict edition limit of JUST 500 worldwide.
This is MUCH LOWER than other recent Gold Proof 50p releases that have completely sold out, so only a handful of lucky collectors will have the chance to own this prestigious coin.
If you’d like to find out more about this incredible new coin and how you can secure one for your collection, click here >>
The LIMITED EDITION Signed Print
This unique, celebratory print is 1 of JUST 495 limited-edition authentic prints to be signed and hand-numbered by renowned illustrator Stephen Lee.
This authentic print offers a closer look at the designs of the new 2021 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 50p coins and is exclusively available from The Westminster Collection.
With such a small number available it is advised that you reserve your Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Framed Print today or you may miss out altogether. Click here >>
View the complete range of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 50p coins here >>
BRAND NEW Peter Pan 50p Coins Revealed!
The wait is finally over and it is with great excitement that we can reveal our brand new Peter Pan British Isles 50p coin range with you all!
The coins have been issued in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. For every coin sold a donation will be made to the Charity to help the hospital and the seriously ill children from across the UK who are cared for there.
Find out all about the WORLD’S FIRST Peter Pan 50p coins by clicking here>>