A range of official chinaware produced in Stoke-on-Trent by Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, will go on sale on Friday, 14 April to commemorate the forthcoming Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023.

The central feature of the design is a Royal Coat of Arms supported by a garland of laurel leaves symbolising peace. In the decorative border, oak leaves signifying strength and longevity appear alongside emblems of the four nations of the United Kingdom – thistle, rose, shamrock and daffodil – within an entwined ribbon that represents the partnership between Their Majesties. The design also features The King’s cypher, designed by The College of Arms, consisting of the initials of the monarch’s name, Charles, and title, Rex – Latin for King.

The commemorative china is made from clay sourced in Devon and Cornwall which is then cast, fired, and decorated by hand at the potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, where china has been produced to commemorate royal occasions for generations. Each piece of china is presented in bespoke blue packaging, also made by hand in Stoke-on-Trent, and stamped with The King’s cypher in gold foil. From the development of initial designs to the hand-finishing with 22-carat gold, the production process involves over 50 skilled artisans across 12 factories.

Though rooted in traditional methods, the design and production of commemorative china is constantly evolving with efficiency and sustainability in mind. For example, innovative adaptations have been made to the design of cup handles to require fewer kiln firings, thereby reducing the amount of energy consumed.

The official chinaware range comprises of a coffee mug (£30.00), pillbox (£40.00), tankard (£50.00), dessert plate (£50.00) and cup and saucer (£75.00).

A complementary range of commemorative products will also go on sale, including:

• A set of four souvenir spoons (£40.00), made in County Durham using English lead-free pewter and plated in 24-carat gold. Each spoon is topped with a hand-painted Coronation motif: an orb, a sceptre, a crown and The King’s cypher.
• A cotton tea towel (£10.95) printed in Northern Ireland.
• A bookmark (£3.95) and keyring (£5.95) made using recycled leather in Ayrshire, Scotland.
• A special-edition Coronation English Sparkling Wine (£45.00) made using hand-picked fruit grown on vineyards in Kent and West Sussex.
• Cotton Coronation socks (£16.00) made in South Wales.
• A Coronation tea blend (£9.95) presented in a keepsake tea caddy made in London using solar power.

Further commemorative items and limited-edition pieces will be introduced in the coming months.

All profits from sales of the official chinaware range and commemorative items go to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity, for the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and access to the Collection through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programmes.

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A selection of images can be found on the attached contact sheet and are available to download from Dropbox.

Products can be purchased online from www.rct.uk/shop, and will be sold in Royal Collection Trust shops at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace and on Buckingham Palace Road, and at Royal Collection Trust shops at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

For further information and imagery and please contact the Royal Collection Trust Press Office, +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected].

Notes to Editors

Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, is responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of The King. Income generated from admissions and from associated commercial activities contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programmes.

The Royal Collection is among the largest and most important art collections in the world, and one of the last great European royal collections to remain intact. It comprises almost all aspects of the fine and decorative arts, and is spread among some 15 royal residences and former residences across the UK, most of which are regularly open to the public. The Royal Collection is held in trust by the Sovereign for his successors and the nation, and is not owned by The King as a private individual.