A 29-year-old woman obsessed with the Queen has shown off her extensive collection of memorabilia ahead of the Platinum Jubilee.
Alex Brown began her fascination with the royal family, especially the Queen, as a little girl and says that it’s “always been a part” of her life.
The Canadian woman - whose dad is British - grew up in the town of Regina, Saskatchewan, which is known as the 'Queen City'.
With her family also big fans of the royals, she spent her childhood years poring over books, films and courses about Her Majesty and considers the Queen her role model.
Now she has shared her huge collection of memorabilia, including items such as a coronation tea cup and saucer, thimbles, ornaments, tea towels and even plastic figurines of the Queen’s beloved corgis.
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She also has royally-designed dinner trays, biscuit tins and much more.
Alex, whose full name is Alexandra Elizabeth, also claims she was named after the Queen – whose middle name is Alexandra.
“[I’ve collected royal-themed] thimbles, Christmas ornaments, tea towels, photographs, books – you name it, I have it," Alex said.
“I even have some memorabilia for Her Majesty's parents and grandparents, as well as for during their royal visits to Canada.
“I honestly couldn’t say [how much I’ve spent on my collection] as so many of the pieces are antiques and have been gifted to me or handed down.
“My favourite piece is a small gold pin I found, which is a gold book with the coronation date of 1953.
“When you open the book, there is a fold-out of a dozen tiny black and white photographs of the Queen and her family.
“This piece is so unique and I have never seen anything else like it.
“My collection of tea cups pre-date my royal collection and I started collecting [these] when I was a child.
“One of my family’s favourite pastimes is exploring antique shops and I came across a small, white [tea] set from 1953 back in 2014.
“It was so small, but in beautiful condition – I had to bring it home with me.
“I always keep an eye out for beautiful sets, so when I spotted this coronation piece, I knew I had to have it."
Alex's love for the royal family doesn't end with the Queen – she also has tea towels decorated with Prince Charles and Princess Diana's faces, alongside special edition biscuit tins for every royal wedding in recent years.
Of course, she also has plenty of photos dotted around her home.
In 2018, one of Alex's biggest dreams came true when she visited Buckingham Palace during a trip to London.
Upon touring inside the palace, as well as its gardens and museum, she recalls the moment feeling “surreal” due to years of reading about royal history.
She said: “It was surreal for me to actually be at Buckingham Palace, especially after a lifetime of reading about royal history.
“I eagerly absorbed the Prince of Wales’ audio tour throughout the different rooms and of course, tried on any costume that came across my path.
“I was fortunate enough to visit [with my best friend] when we travelled through London to spend two weeks in the UK.
“We also visited Windsor Castle, which was absolutely stunning as well.
“Being based in Regina for so many years as a reporter, I had the honour of meeting and interviewing several Lieutenant Governors for Saskatchewan, where I shared royal celebrations with them.
“[We celebrated] the birth of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as the royal visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
“My dad was also awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service in 2012 which was a very proud moment for my family and me.”
As the UK celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Alex and her family are also planning on having a party of their own – with traditional British high tea.
Alex added: “I will certainly be enjoying the events via news coverage, as well as high tea on the weekend.
It’s such a wonderful time and I am so excited about the celebrations.
[She’s] a pillar of strength, grace and leadership and has committed her life to one of service.
“It’s incredible that she has remained loyal to that promise and I try to channel her strength in moments of doubt in my life.
“Being thrust into the role she was never meant to occupy, and doing so with incredible grace and commitment, she’s such an inspiration.
“She’s an incredible figure that history will never forget and I will forever be scouring antique shops, one by one, for new treasures to discover."
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