In Australia the head of state is the British monarch and many Australians have been keen followers of royalty, celebrating births, marriages and coronations and mourning deaths. Despite the distance from Britain Australians followed these key events closely, participating in them as much as possible. Purchasing souvenirs of royal weddings and coronations was a direct way of expressing this interest. This plate commemorating the coronation of Edward VIII is particularly interesting as the prince abdicated four months before the planned date and his brother George VI was crowned instead.

The coronation of Edward VIII was planned for 12 May 1937 however Edward abdicated in December of the previous year and his brother George VI was crowned instead. The popularity of souvenirs is evidenced by the production and sale of pieces such as these so many months before the event.

A souvenir mug to celebrate the planned coronation of Edward VIII. It features a portrait of Edward VIII surrounded by the flags of Great Britain with a lion and a unicorn on either side. There is also the motto 'DIEU ET MON DROIT'. The inscription reads: 'Coronation of King Edward VIII, May 1937'. The base is stamped 'Made in England'.
Attached is a (RAHS) paper label 'Donated by Miss Eva O'Sullivan. Date: 24.8.'48'.

Made: 1937

2005/250/1

1937

90 mm

75 mm