Posts Tagged ‘british royalty’
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!
A Journey into Supersonic History with Chief Concorde Engineer John Britton
Commemorating Concorde’s Final Flight
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the world of supersonic aviation history? Well, I recently had the chance to turn that dream into reality as I embarked on a thrilling adventure to the Bristol Aerospace Museum. This journey wasn’t just about wandering through exhibits, it was about commemorating the 20th anniversary of the final flight of the world-famous supersonic aircraft, Concorde.
I jumped at the opportunity to take our brand new Concorde commemoratives on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot 216 G-BOAF.
On Board Concorde G-BOAF
As I set foot on the Concorde, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of a lifelong dream coming true. The sleek lines, the aviation marvel that once ruled the skies—it was all there beneath my feet. But this adventure wasn’t just about being on board; it was about delving into the heart of Concorde’s legacy.
The highlight of my day? An exclusive interview with none other than Concorde’s Chief Engineer, John Britton. Imagine having the opportunity to pick the brain of the mastermind behind this supersonic aircraft.
Behind the Scenes: Exclusive Interview with Chief Engineer John Britton
The stories, the facts, and the rich history he shared with me were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Britton’s insights transported me back in time, painting a vivid picture of Concorde’s glory days. From the engineering marvels that defined its success to the intricate details of its final flight.
As I listened to Britton, I couldn’t help but marvel at John’s passion and engineering brilliance that helped bring Concorde to life.
Leaving the museum that day, I carried with me not just the commemoratives that had traveled on Concorde’s final journey but a newfound appreciation for the legacy of supersonic travel. The Bristol Aerospace Museum had transformed a casual visit into a journey through time.
I urge you to step into the world of Bristol Aerospace Museum and witness this iconic aircraft for yourself.
Witness a Historic Royal First by the Sovereign!
The brand-new UK 2024 Sovereign has just been revealed by the Royal Mint.
But what is the Sovereign?
When it comes to coins, few carry the weight of history and prestige quite like the Sovereign. From its humble beginnings in the late 15th century to its role as a symbol of British monetary stability and the grandeur of the British Empire, the story of the Sovereign coin is a fascinating journey through time. Join us as we explore the captivating history of this iconic gold coin in the video below.
The Birth of a Regal Coin:
The story of the Sovereign coin begins in 1489 during the reign of King Henry VII. This remarkable coin was aptly named the “Sovereign” and carried a face value of one pound. It featured a regal portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other. This early version of the Sovereign set the stage for the coin’s enduring legacy.
The Tudor Period and Fluctuating Fortunes:
During the Tudor period, the Sovereign coin went through a series of changes in size and design. It was minted under various monarchs and experienced periods of discontinuation and revival, reflecting the turbulent political and economic landscape of the time.
The Great Recoinage of 1816:
The real turning point in the history of the Sovereign coin came during the reign of King George III. In 1816, a momentous event known as the Great Recoinage took place in the United Kingdom. It was here that the Sovereign received its iconic design featuring St. George slaying the dragon, a masterful creation by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This marked the resurgence of the Sovereign as a symbol of British monetary stability and the reach of the British Empire.
A Star in the Gold Standard:
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Sovereign played a starring role in the international gold standard. Under this system, currencies were linked to a fixed quantity of gold, and Sovereigns were internationally recognised and accepted. They were both a symbol of British power and a vehicle for international trade.
The End of an Era:
The golden age of the Sovereign coin gradually faded with the dawn of the 20th century. The upheaval of World War I and the changing global economic landscape saw the United Kingdom officially abandon the gold standard in 1931. Gold coins, including the Sovereign, ceased to circulate.
A Collector’s Treasure:
Though no longer in everyday use, the Sovereign coin remains a beloved and coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Royal Mint continues to produce gold Sovereigns in various designs and sizes, making it a timeless piece of numismatic history.
This years production of the 2024 Sovereign combines Pistrucci’s timeless design with the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, meticulously created by Martin Jennings, for the first time ever.