Kerrie Whitley has a 10,000 piece collection dedicated to the royal family

A Toowoomba royalist has more than 10,000 memorabilia collection dedicated to the British royal family, and is excited to see the future kings and queens ascend the throne. See the collection here.

A devoted royalist is mourning the loss of one of her favourite queens, while she “waits with bated breath” for the tradition that follows a monarch’s death.

Kerrie Whitley said she was saddened to hear of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing last week and looked back at the Queen’s life with fondness through her 10,000 piece memorabilia collection.

“I love her … her dedication to her country, her realm and the Commonwealth, I respect and admire her so much,” Mrs Whitley said.

“There were no scandals, and her life was devoted to her duty.

Kerrie Whitley with her extensive collection of royal memorabilia, Sunday, September 11, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“While it’s very sad, it’s also very exciting to see all the pomp with Charles ascending the throne and Prince William becoming Prince of Wales.”

Mrs Whitley began her collection in 1976 after finding a book about King Edward VII.

“The old black and white photos really got me in, and from then on, I was collecting,” she said.

“When I was a child, I used to go to the pictures and all the movie-tone reels always had something royal in them, and that would fascinate me when I was seven or eight years old.

Kerrie Whitley with her extensive collection of royal memorabilia, Sunday, September 11, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Anything to do with the royal family … it’s just something inside of me. I’m fascinated.”

While some people collect stamps, coins, lego and even cars, Mrs Whitley said her royal family collection was her passion.

Throughout her showroom, Mrs Whitley has pieces on many members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, the Romanovs, King Henry VIII, Diana Princess of Wales, and her favourite, Queen Victoria.

“The old tradition … they’re hundreds of years old, and they’re just very exciting and very interesting,” she said.

“I’ll be waiting with bated breath to see the coronation as a lot of people will.

“Queen Elizabeth II was dedicated to her job, and I think Charles will be now too.”