Not many American royalty-watchers could spare the time or money to attend Queen Elizabeth’s June 2012 Diamond Jubilee festivities in person. Nonetheless, we participated vicariously via television and other media coverage. Like others around the world, we Americans who have never known any other British sovereign are amazed by the Queen’s 60 years of steadiness and staying power.
Americans who would like a lasting memento of the Diamond Jubilee should consider the ten affordable commemorative souvenirs described below, all of which are available on line with delivery to U.S addresses. All these items were available at the time of the Jubilee. Links to the sellers’ websites are provided where additional details including up to date price and availability information are displayed.
1. Commemorative Tin with Walker’s Shortbread Cookies
Imported from Scotland, this 15.9 ounce tin contains an assortment of shortbread cookies and is decorated with a large picture of Queen Elizabeth in full regal finery. Click here for ordering information on the Vermont Country Store website.
2. Commemorative Tin with English Breakfast Tea
Decorated with pictures of the Queen at various points during her 60-year reign, this navy blue commemorative tin contains 40 teabags with Ceylon black tea perfect for the English breakfast. The tin is manufactured in the UK and available from the Vermont Country Store here.
3. Contemporary Diamond Jubilee Tea Towel
A rendering of the Queen with modern flair makes this tea towel unique. It ships directly from England in an attractive package suitable for gift-giving. More traditional designs are also available from The Queen’s Jubilee Online Store here. Note that American buyers pay 20 percent less because we do not have to pay the value added tax (VAT).
4. Classic Wedgewood China Commemorative Mug
A mug in a traditional style, this Wedgewood china commemorative mug is white with gray, includes the EIIR symbol and wording “Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012.” The Queen’s Jubilee Online Store guarantees it will be well-wrapped to prevent breakage on its way from England. Details are available here.
5. Set of Commemorative China Thimbles
A highly rated item on amazon.com, this set of thimbles is manufactured in England by Staffordshire Pottery. Each of the three thimbles is one inch high and decorated with pictures and words about the Diamond Jubilee. Ordering information is available here.
6. Kikkerland Jubilee Edition Solar Queen and Corgi Animated Figures
This quirky 6.25 inch figure of Queen Elizabeth in a lavender dress and tiara waves at you if placed in the sun (is solar powered). Her corgi dog moves his head. Both are available from amazon.com here.
7. Picture Book: Queen Elizabeth II: A Diamond Jubilee Souvenir Album
This hardcover book by Jane Roberts is published by Royal Collections Publications. It is the official souvenir album and draws extensively on the Royal Archives. It includes more than 300 color photographs, many never previously published. Amazon.com ordering information is here.
8. Biography: Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch
This in-depth biography of the Queen from childhood up to the Jubilee was researched and written by well-known biographer Sally Bedell Smith. It has been described as both respectful and addressing all the important questions. This book is available in hardcover or Kindle format from amazon.com here.
9. Posters of Royal Mail Stamps Commemorating the Diamond Jubilee
Posters of two stamp designs are available as well as prints on canvas. Ships from England-the Queen’s Jubilee Online Store. Full details are here.
10. Harrods Beefeater Bear
Complete with the ornate red uniform of Her Majesty’s guards, this soft bear is 10 inches tall and has the Harrods logo embroidered on its foot. Girls or boys from eight to eighty plus would enjoy this whimsical souvenir of the Queen’s Jubilee. Ordering information from Harrods online store is here.
While some of these items may sell out over time, other items may become available for reduced prices. In addition, look on these websites and others for calendars, books, and other items that include photographs taken at the Jubilee events June 3-5, 2012. High quality souvenirs of Queen Elizabeth’s sixty years on the throne are available not just for Her Majesty’s subjects in Great Britain, but also for her admirers across the Atlantic.
