The Coronation keepsakes you’ll actually want to keep
Look past the mountains of Union Jack umbrella hats and questionable crockery and you’ll find some true Coronation keepsakes.
In February, Buckingham Palace announced it would relax the rules on commercial usage of its official insignia ahead of King Charles III’s coronation.
But there was a caveat. All coronation merchandise bearing the insignia need be “in good taste”, and free from advertising.
So far this condition has been stretched thin, with everything from musical biscuit tins which play God Save the King to temporary tattoos and commemorative sauces being pedalled ahead of the event.
It’s anticipated about $460 million will be spent on Coronation merchandise, and while there are plenty of brands which don’t appear to have received the royal memo on tastefulness, some of Britain’s most iconic fashion and jewellery houses have come to the party with timeless trinkets and memorabilia fit for a royal.
If you missed out on a pair of coronation socks or tea towels from the Palace’s official store (they are among the items already sold out), we have rounded up the designer pieces on offer which celebrate this historic occasion in style.
Burberry Highgrove print silk square scarf, $730
The late Queen Elizabeth II would have given a firm nod of approval for Burberry’s Coronation memento, such was her penchant for both a chic silk scarf and the British heritage brand (which is also a Royal Warrant holder). The organic silk scarf features a scene inspired by the gardens of His Majesty King Charles III’s private residence at Highgrove, Gloucestershire, and is bordered by ox-eye daisies, orchids and snowdrops.
Alex Monroe Coronation bracelet $1092.68
A bumblebee, pint of beer and intricate royal carriage adorn British jeweller Alex Monroe’s commemorative Coronation charm bracelet, inspired by his 2015 collection for the Royal Collections Trust.
“I have fond memories of creating this special collection, so it was lovely to revisit it for HM The King Charles’s Coronation,” Monroe said of the 22k gold-plated limited edition design, which also bears the official King’s Coronation Mark, designed by Thomas Fattorini.
Annoushka Coronation Crown locket charm, $6,600
British fine jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas is a firm fan of the royals, having designed many a charm inspired by the family, most recently in the shape of a Corgie perched on a red cushion and an orb to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Her latest creation, to mark King Charles III’s anointing, is a limited-edition charm inspired by the St Edwards Crown. Only 100 of the 18k gold charms have been made, each encrusted with amethysts and diamonds and featuring a secret compartment at the base.
Harrods Large King’s Coronation Tote Bag, $75
As far as commemorative totes go, Harrods’ is one of the best we’ve seen. Emblazoned with British flags, the recycled cotton shopper is both celebratory and practical. Throw on a camel-hued trench and pair of black Churchs Chelsea boots and you’re ready to celebrate the crowning of the new monarch in true British fashion.
Fabergé Heritage Coronation Crown surprise locket, $21,714
The fabled jewellery company has released two special edition lockets to mark the historic occasion, featuring miniature replicas of the Gold State Coach and Coronation Crown.
The 18k yellow gold crown locket is hand decorated and features 10 emeralds, two rubies and four blue sapphires on the crown, which sits on a carnelian stone platform.
William Wood Watches British coronation watch, $5767
The contemporary London watchmaker, which was founded in 2016 to celebrate and support firefighters, has released a limited edition British Coronation Watch in commemoration of the event.
The timepiece features a green dial and brass inset made from a century-old British firefighter‘s helmet.
Proving a firm favourite among its clientele, the watch has already sold out, but those wanting to own the collectible can sign up to a wait list.
Deakin & Francis sterling silver Coronation cufflinks, $458 AUD
If you’re looking for a gift for the male Anglophile in your life, a pair of Coronation cufflinks could be just the ticket. The vitreous enamel cufflinks are one of about 16 commemorative styles available at Deakin & Francis, England’s oldest manufacturing jewellers.